A sequential study on the use of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus method in mouse splenocytes

Several known clastogens and mutagens have been tested for their ability to induce micronuclei (MN) using the cytokinesis-block method in mouse splenocytes. The chemicals were harringtonine, cisplatin, cytosine arabinoside, vincristine sulfate, colchicine, potassium chromate, methyl methanesulfonate and 2-acetylaminofluorene. All chemicals tested induced a dose-dependent increase in MN and a delay in cell-cycle progression. The results suggest that the cytokinesis-block micronucleus method in mouse splenocytes is reliable, economical and sensitive enough for detecting mutagenic agents in vivo and in vitro.