Single-strand breaks in DNA of various organs of mice induced by styrene and styrene oxide

Styrene and its metabolite styrene oxide were given i.p. to mice. The induction of single-strand breaks (SSB) in DNA was studied with the DNA unwinding technique. The level of SSB in kidney-DNA was a linear function of the dose for both substances. Styrene and styrene oxide induced an increase in the level of SSB in DNA of kidney, liver, lung, testis and brain 1 h after administration. After 24 h the damage remained on an enhanced level in liver, lung and testis after styrene oxide administration and in all organs except liver after styrene administration.