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Micronuclei induction by dichlorvos in the mouse skin
1Toxicology Unit, National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Mutagenesis
|September 1, 1991
Summary
The pesticide dichlorvos induced micronuclei (MN), a marker of genetic damage, in mouse skin cells after topical application. This suggests dichlorvos poses a contact hazard to humans due to skin absorption and genotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Pesticides can pose health risks through various exposure routes.
- Assessing genotoxicity of pesticides is crucial for understanding potential human health impacts.
- Dichlorvos is a widely used organophosphate pesticide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of dichlorvos to induce micronucleus (MN) formation in mouse skin cells.
- To evaluate the genotoxic effects of dichlorvos following topical skin application.
- To assess the risk of dichlorvos as a contact hazard.
Main Methods:
- HRA/Skh mice were treated topically with varying concentrations of dichlorvos.
- Whole skin and partially-purified epidermal cells were cultured in vitro.
- The cytokinesis-block method was used to detect MN in dividing cells.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant MN induction was observed in epidermal cells at all tested dichlorvos doses.
- A dose-dependent increase in MN was noted.
- MN induction was detectable in whole skin cells shortly after dichlorvos application.
Conclusions:
- Dichlorvos is absorbed through the skin and induces genotoxic effects in skin cells.
- The findings suggest dichlorvos poses a contact hazard to humans.
- The skin micronucleus assay is a viable method for detecting skin carcinogens.