Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Quantification of three DNA Lesions by Mass Spectrometry and Assessment of Their Levels in Tissues of Mice Exposed to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter
Published on: May 29, 2019
Nitrogen dioxide inhalation induces genotoxicity in rats
Ming Han1, Zhen Guo, Guangke Li
1College of Environment and Resource, Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) inhalation causes DNA damage and increases micronucleus frequency in rats. These genotoxic effects show a clear dose-dependent relationship, indicating NO2 is a genotoxic agent.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a widespread atmospheric pollutant.
- NO2 exposure is linked to various acute and chronic health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genotoxicity of in vivo NO2 inhalation in rats.
- To assess DNA damage and related biomarkers following NO2 exposure.
Main Methods:
- Rats were exposed to NO2 via inhalation.
- Comet assay, micronucleus (MN) assay, and DNA-protein crosslinks (DPC) assays were employed.
- Genotoxicity was evaluated in various organs and bone marrow cells.
Main Results:
- NO2 inhalation induced significant DNA strand breaks and DPC formation in multiple organs.
- A notable increase in MN frequency was observed in bone marrow cells.
- All observed genotoxic effects exhibited a linear dose-dependent response.
Conclusions:
- Nitrogen dioxide is confirmed as a genotoxic agent.
- The findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying NO2-induced adverse health effects.
More Related Videos
09:33Formation of Covalent DNA Adducts by Enzymatically Activated Carcinogens and Drugs In Vitro and Their Determination by 32P-postlabeling
Published on: March 20, 2018
07:38A General Method for Detecting Nitrosamide Formation in the In Vitro Metabolism of Nitrosamines by Cytochrome P450s
Published on: September 25, 2017
Related Concept Videos
2° Amines to N-Nitrosamines: Reaction with NaNO2
Spontaneous and Induced Mutations
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
1° Amines to Diazonium or Aryldiazonium Salts: Diazotization with NaNO2 Overview
The nitrous acid is unstable. Hence, it is formed in situ from a solution of sodium nitrite and cold aqueous acids such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. In an acidic solution, the –OH group of nitrous acid undergoes protonation to give oxonium ion, followed by water loss...
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
1° Amines to Diazonium or Aryldiazonium Salts: Diazotization with NaNO2 Mechanism