Characterization of the radiation response of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjac) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fibroblast cells; and preliminary development of fluorescence in situ hybridizati

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) bioaccumulate high levels of natural radionuclides through their diet of lichen. By studying the effects of radiation on caribou cells in tissue culture, we hoped to be able to determine if caribou have developed a protective mechanism against radiation. We measured radiation damage using the micronucleus assay, a well established method for detecting DNA damage in humans and other species. During the development of various techniques applied to caribou cells, we studied white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjac) cells. White-tailed deer cells were used to establish the protocol for isolating a fibroblast cell line from live tissue. Our intent was to develop a chromosome probe for caribou to be used as a marker for genetic damage. To this end, we used Indian muntjac chromosomes probes for preliminary method development because Indian muntjac have only a few chromosomes. We also investigated the effects of heat on Indian muntjac fibroblasts. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...