Cytogenetical Studies on the Effects of High Natural Radiation Levels in Tityus bahiensis (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Morro Do Ferro, Brazil

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Abstract
The external radiation level in Morro do Ferro in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, ranges from 0.1-3.2 mR/h, suggesting a mean level among the highest reported anywhere in the world. Cytogenetical effects which might be due to the high natural level of ionizing radiation were searched for in males of T. bahiensis, a species which inhabits an area where radiation levels range from 0.8-1.5 mR/h. These scorpions have a nonlocalized centric system which allows chromosomal breakage without loss of genetic material. There is a statistically significant difference (X2 = 116.75, P < 0.0005) in the number of cells with chromosome breaks observed in spermatocytes of scorpions from Morro do Ferro and control areas. A total of 13,968 and 16,373 spermatocyte cells of scorpions from Morro do Ferro and control areas, respectively, were analyzed.

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