[Antagonistic effects of metallothionein on genetic damage caused by gamma-rays and mitomycin C]
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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Anticancer Metal Complexes: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation by the MTT Assay
Published on: November 10, 2013
Objective:
To study the antagonistic effects of metallothionein (Zn-MT)on genetic damage caused by gamma-rays and mitomycin C (MMC) in the liver of rabbits.
Methods:
Micronucleus test and DNA strand breaks were determined in vitro and in vivo with single-cell gel electrophoresis assay to observe the effects of Zn-MT on the micronucleus formation and cleavage of DNA chain before and after gamma-rays radiation and MMC treatment.
Results:
A dose of 664 microg/kg of Zn-MT could inhibit micronucleus formation in the bone marrow of the mice induced by 5 Gy gamma-rays radiation (P < 0.05). Concentrations of 10 and 50 microg/ml Zn-MT could antagonize the increase in bimicronucleus frequency in g12 cells induced by 1 and 3 Gy gamma-rays radiation and 0.3 microg/ml MMC treatment (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). A dose of 50 microg/ml Zn-MT could reduce the DNA single strand breaks caused by 1 Gy gamma-rays radiation, but without statistical significance (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Zn-MT could antagonize the genetic damage to certain extent in the liver of the rabbits caused by gamma-rays radiation and MMC treatment.
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