Induction of chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes of mice after subchronic exposure to benzene

Kanokporn Rithidech, William W. Au, V. M. Sadagopa Ramanujam, Elbert B. Whorton, Marvin S. Legator

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    13 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The induction of chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes of mice after subchronic exposure to benzene was investigated. 4 groups of 5 Swiss (ICR) male mice were given orally a solution of benzene every day for 14 days except days 5 and 10. The daily doses were 0, 36.6, 73.2 and 146.4 mg/kg. Mice were sacrificed on day 15, lymphocytes were obtained by perfusion of the spleen and the cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium. After 48 h of culture, cells were harvested for cytogenetic analysis. A significant dose-dependent increase in the frequency of cells with chromatid aberrations were found (p < 0.001). A significant increase in polyploid cells were also observed (p ≤ 0.05). This study represents the first report on the induction of chromosome aberrations and polyploid cells in lymphocytes of mice after subchronic exposure to benzene. Such dual activity of benzene suggests that benzene may be responsible for more human health problems than currently estimated.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)135-140
    Number of pages6
    JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology
    Volume188
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jun 1987

    Keywords

    • Benzene, subchronic exposure
    • Chromosome aberrations: (Mouse)
    • Lymphocytes

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Toxicology
    • Genetics

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