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Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) model in genetic toxicology mitomycin C clastogenicity in germ cells
Mutation Research
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Rhesus monkeys show increased genetic damage in sperm cells after exposure to mitomycin C during specific developmental stages. This highlights their potential as a primate model for mutagenicity testing in critical public health scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Primate toxicology
- Genetic toxicology
- Reproductive toxicology
Background:
- Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) are valuable but limited models for genetic toxicology due to cost and scarcity.
- Primates may serve as superior models in specific public health situations, such as accidental human exposure to mutagens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the rhesus monkey as a genetic toxicology model, specifically investigating the effects of mitomycin C on spermatocyte development.
- To determine the sensitivity of different spermatocyte stages to mutagenic insult.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkey testes were used as the target organ.
- Primary spermatocytes were treated with mitomycin C (1 mg/kg) at the pre-leptotene stage.
- Chromosomal aberrations (exchanges, fragments, univalents) were analyzed at diakinesis-metaphase I.
Main Results:
- Mitomycin C treatment at the pre-leptotene stage significantly increased chromosomal exchanges, fragments, and univalents in diakinesis-metaphase I cells.
- No significant response was observed when cells were treated during diplotene, late pachytene, or spermatogonial stages.
Conclusions:
- The pre-leptotene spermatocyte stage in rhesus monkeys is sensitive to mitomycin C-induced genetic damage.
- Comprehensive toxicological evaluation, including genetic, histological, and seminal cytology assessments, is recommended for primate models.
- Recycling of animals, where feasible, is suggested to maximize the utility of these models.