Effect of chlorophyllin on mercuric chloride-induced clastogenicity in mice

The effect of chlorophyllin (1.5 mg/kg body weight) on the clastogenicity of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) was studied in vivo in mouse bone marrow cells. HgCl2 (3.0, 6.0 and 12.0 mg/kg body weight) administered by gavage induced chromosomal aberrations at frequencies directly proportional to the dose. Chlorophyllin was not clastogenic, and significantly reduced the mitotic index when given alone. Chlorophyllin administered simultaneously with HgCl2 significantly reduced the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in a dose-dependent manner. When given simultaneously with the lowest HgCl2 concentration tested (3.0 mg/kg body weight), chlorophyllin provided total protection. A lower degree of protection was given by chlorophyllin administered 2 hr before HgCl2. The data demonstrate the potential of green plant components to modify the genotoxic activity of HgCl2 when administered orally.