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Updated: Sep 1, 2026
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Transgenic Rodent Assay for Quantifying Male Germ Cell Mutant Frequency
Published on: August 6, 2014
Effect of diuron on germ cells of mice
1Laboratory of Environmental Carcinogenesis, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Lucknow, India.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
|May 6, 1998
Abstract:
Diuron in both, acute (340 and 170 mg/kg body wt) and chronic (3400 ppm) doses induced dominant lethal mutations in male Swiss albino mice. The results suggest that diuron is mutagenic in dominant lethal test system.
Insights
Diuron exposure, even at low acute or chronic doses, caused genetic mutations in male mice. These findings indicate Diuron (a common herbicide) is a mutagen in the dominant lethal test system.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Genetics and heredity
- Pesticide safety
Background:
- Diuron is a widely used urea-based herbicide.
- Pesticides can pose risks to non-target organisms, including potential genotoxicity.
- Assessing the mutagenic potential of herbicides like Diuron is crucial for environmental and human health risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mutagenic potential of Diuron in male Swiss albino mice.
- To determine if acute and chronic exposure to Diuron induces dominant lethal mutations.
Main Methods:
- Male Swiss albino mice were administered Diuron at acute doses (170 and 340 mg/kg body weight) and a chronic dose (3400 ppm).
- The dominant lethal test was employed to assess the induction of mutations.
Main Results:
- Both acute and chronic Diuron exposure resulted in the induction of dominant lethal mutations in male mice.
- The herbicide demonstrated mutagenic effects across different exposure scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Diuron exhibits mutagenic properties within the dominant lethal test system.
- These findings highlight the potential genotoxic risk associated with Diuron exposure.
