[Effect of carcinogenic substances on bone marrow cells in CBA mice]

The effect of some carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic agents on the content of CFUs and frequency of micronuclei (Howell-Jolly corps) in polychromatic erythrocytes of bone marrow cells was studied in CBA mice. Benzene administration decreased the content of CFUs in bone marrow cells, but this effect is considered to be rather a sign of its hematotropic than carcinogenic action. Changes in the CFUs amount induced by chrysotile-asbestos and quartz DQ-12 action were insignificant. All investigated carcinogenic agents (benz(a)pyrene, asbestos and benzene) significantly increased the number of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes of bone marrow in mice.