The Production of Micronuclei from Chromosome Aberrations by Chemical Carcinogens in Mice

ABSTRACT

The effect of four alkylating agents (MMS, EMs, DMN, DEM), under various con centrations on mouse bone marrow erythrocytes, were studied by means of the micronucleus test. The results obtained were as follows: 1) The lethal doses on mice were MMS = 130 mg/kg/bw, EMS = 300 mg/kg/bw, DMN = 50 mg/kg/bw and DEN = 70 mg/kg/bw. 2) Micronuclei were easily seen and in different controls the micronulei were found a little over 0.1%. 3) The dose-effect relationship was obtained. In the MMS and EMS treated groups, incidences of micronulei were 0.45 to 2.56% and 0.4 to 2.1% respectively. 4) In the DMN and DEN treated groups, incidences varied between 0.15 to 0.90 % and 0.2 to 1.02% respectively. 5) Four alkylating agents were compared and discussed with respect to micro nucleus production from chromosomal aberrations.