The advantages and disadvantages of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus method

There is current interest in adopting the micronucleus test instead of metaphase analysis of chromosomes to assess the in vitro genotoxic potential of chemical and physical agents. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus technique relative to metaphase analysis of chromosomes and the conventional micronucleus technique that does not distinguish between dividing and non-dividing cells are discussed. Furthermore, additional features, such as the measurement of non-disjunction, excision-repairable DNA lesions and HPRT variants and possibilities for further improving the application of the cytokinesis-block method are proposed.