Cytogenetic activities of 3 sulphonamides

The cytogenetic effects of 3 sulphonamides were analysed by a standard Allium test. Mitotic and chromosomal abnormalities are described. The sulphonamides tested were sulphadiazine, sulphadimidine and sulphaphenazole. Actively dividing cells were treated with 4 concentrations of each drug for 4, 24 and 48 h. Treatment for 4 h caused a marked increase in the mitotic index (MI), whereas longer treatment induced a severe reduction in mitotic activity. The 3 drugs produced a number of mitotic abnormalities resulting from an action of the spindle apparatus. They also induced some chromosomal abnormalities by direct or indirect action on the chromosomes.