Genotoxic potential of diethylcarbamazine, an antifilarial drug

The mutagenic potential of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) was evaluated by metaphase chromosome analysis and the micronucleus test in bone marrow cells of mice. Both assay systems revealed clastogenicity, although not severe. The time-response study of metaphase chromosomes exhibited an early effect; at 72 h post-treatment the effect came down to the control level. The dose-response analysis showed significantly elevated frequencies of micronuclei (MN) for all the doses tested, but failed to show any influence of the dose on the induction of MN. Data on mitotic index (MI) indicated a lack of cell cycle inhibition. The decrease in aberration frequency with the lapse of time can be probably attributed to the elimination of the drug and its metabolites from the body.