Cytogenetic studies of Myodes glareolus from the natural populations of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone in the remote post-accident period

Abstract

The results of cytogenetic studies of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) carried out during 2009 - 2016 in the areas of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone with different levels of radionuclide contamination are presented. In the remote period after the Chornobyl accident features of chromosomal instability in somatic cells of examined animals, manifested as elevated levels of bone marrow cells with micronuclei, are observed. Probably, they can be caused by transgenerational radiation-induced chromosomal instability and changes in the ecological characteristics of the population under the combined impact of chronic low-intensity radiation and negative environmental factors.