Fluchloralin is cytotoxic and genotoxic and induces apoptosis in mammalian cells

The genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of a widely used herbicide, fluchloralin, were assessed using cultured mammalian cells. Treatment of cells for 8-12 hr with fluchloralin resulted in a significant increase in the frequency of metaphase cells with chromosomal damage. At higher concentrations, the herbicide also induced an increase in the frequency of sister chromatid exchange. A 50% loss in viability was observed when cells were exposed to the herbicide for 72 hr. To understand the mechanism of cell death caused by fluchloralin, its effect on DNA synthesis and its ability to induce apoptosis were investigated. Even short (6 hr) treatment of cells with fluchloralin resulted in a 30-50% inhibition of DNA synthesis. Agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA from herbicide-treated cells and cytochemical staining indicate the induction of apoptosis by fluchloralin.