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Published on: May 13, 2019
Micronucleus induction by diuron in mouse bone marrow
R C Agrawal1, S Kumar, N K Mehrotra
1Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Lucknow, India.
Abstract:
Diuron, a widely used substituted urea herbicide, induced the formation of micronuclei in bone marrow cells of Swiss mice. A single i.p. dose of 340 mg/kg b.w. diuron which is maximum tolerated dose (MTD) increased significantly the number of micronuclei at 30 h and 48 h time period. The dose of 170 mg/kg b.w. also induced the micronuclei formation in the above time period. However, a dose of 85 mg/kg b.w. was ineffective at the time periods studied. No induction of micronuclei was observed at 72 h time period after all the doses of diuron studied as compared to the solvent control. The diuron-induced frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes was independent of the sex of the test animals.
Insights
Diuron, a herbicide, caused micronuclei in mouse bone marrow cells at specific doses and time points. Higher doses showed effects, while lower doses and later time points did not indicate genotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Genetics
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Diuron is a widely utilized substituted urea herbicide.
- Substituted urea herbicides are common in agriculture and can pose environmental risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genotoxic potential of Diuron.
- To evaluate Diuron's capacity to induce micronuclei formation in mouse bone marrow cells.
Main Methods:
- Swiss mice were administered single intraperitoneal doses of Diuron.
- Doses included the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 340 mg/kg b.w., 170 mg/kg b.w., and 85 mg/kg b.w.
- Micronuclei formation in bone marrow cells was assessed at 30, 48, and 72 hours post-administration.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in micronuclei were observed at 30 and 48 hours following Diuron doses of 340 mg/kg and 170 mg/kg.
- A dose of 85 mg/kg did not induce significant micronuclei formation at the tested time points.
- No Diuron-induced micronuclei were detected at 72 hours post-treatment compared to controls.
- The genotoxic effect was independent of the animal's sex.
Conclusions:
- Diuron exhibits dose-dependent genotoxicity in mouse bone marrow cells.
- The herbicide's genotoxic effects are time-dependent, with peak activity observed within 48 hours.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the long-term effects and mechanisms of Diuron genotoxicity.
