Effects of some ergot derivatives in bone marrow of mice

The in vivo chromosomal damaging properties of some ergot derivatives were investigated following their administration to male mice. Dihydroergotoxine, ergotamine and methysergide were injected in doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg. Significant numbers of aberrations were observed in bone marrow preparations after treatment with the higher doses. Almost all the damage was in the form of chromatid aberrations. No exchange figures were observed, neither were other anamalies, such as nondisjunction or anti-mitotic activity. This frequency of damage was about 7- to 10-fold less than that produced by the powerful alkylating agent, cyclophosphamide. Thus the ergot derivatives were concluded to have weak chromosomal damaging effects in vivo only in very high doses.