Analysis of chromosome aberrations in somatic and germ cells of the mouse

Chromosome aberration tests are used to evaluate the clastogenicity of chemical and physical agents, that is, the capacity of these agents to cause breaks in chromosomes and produce microscopically visible fragments or structural rearrangements. Aberrations are scored in metaphase chromosomes of dividing cells. In the mouse, bone marrow progenitors of erythrocytes and leukocytes provide abundant metaphases to study the effects on somatic cells, whereas the response of male germ cells to clastogenic agents can be visualized on metaphases of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. The techniques to prepare the slides for analyses are well standardized and internationally harmonized protocols for tests in bone marrow and spermatogonia provide the guidance necessary to obtain meaningful results. It is advisable to adhere as much as possible to these recommendations. Not all tests are suitable to score the same kind of aberrations. Here an overview of the application domains of these tests is provided with warnings on the scoring criteria and statistical analysis.