Administration-route-related differences in the micronucleus test with benzene

The effect of route of administration on the outcome of the micronucleus test was studied in 2 laboratories by administering the model chemical benzene intraperitoneally (i.p.) and orally (p.o.) to 2 strains of mice: MS/Ae and CD-1. On the basis of results obtained in a small-scale acute toxicity study and in a pilot micronucleus test, full-scale micronucleus tests were performed with a 24-h sampling time at doses of 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg i.p. and 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg p.o. In both strains of mice, a higher incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) was observed after p.o. administration. The ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) to total erythrocytes decreased more markedly at higher doses i.p. in both strains. Thus, benzene induced more micronuclei via the p.o. route, while inhibitory effects on bone marrow cells were stronger after i.p. administration.