Chromosomal studies on laboratory rats [Rattus Norvegicus] exposed to an organic solvent [cyclohexanone]

ABSTRACT

Cyclohexanone, an aromatic hydrocarbon, was tested for its ability to induce chromosomal abnormalities in male laboratory rats, [Rattus norvegicus], 6, 24 and 48 hours after subcutaneous injection of three doses 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg. The effect of these treatments was scored cytologically in metaphase plates of bone marrow cells. The results showed that the compound was effective in the induction of chromosomal aberrations at all doses and time intervals. The induced abnormalities increased with dose and decreased with time. Qualitatively, they consisted of chromatid gaps and breaks, centric fusions, centrometric attenuation, chromatid exchanges and polypioidy. It was concluded that cyclohexanone could exert harmful effects on mammalian chromosomes, and might accordingly be genetically hazardous to man