The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay: experimental procedure and application in bioelectromagnetics research

The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay is a sensitive and simple indicator of chromosome damage, both chromosome loss and chromosome breakage, which also provides information on cell cycle progression and cytotoxicity. It was introduced in 1985 and has been successfully employed in many laboratories on different cell types to monitor exposed population, to identify mutagen-sensitive individuals and for in vitro studies. This cytogenetic technique has been largely employed to evaluate the induction of genotoxic effects of electromagnetic fields, including radiofrequency radiation. The experimental procedure to evaluate the induction of micronuclei is described and its application in bioelectromagnetics research is reviewed.