P.P. Reddy

Frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in smokers exposed to pesticides in cotton fields.

Blood samples were collected from 50 smokers who were exposed to the pesticides DDT, BHC, endosulfan, malathion, methyl parathion, monocrotophos, quinolphos, dimethoate, phosphomidon, cypermethrin and fenvelrate. Samples were also collected from 20 non-smokers (control I) and 27 smokers (control II) who were unexposed to pesticides. Control II showed a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations when compared to control I. There was a significant increase in total chromosomal aberrations in smokers exposed to pesticides when compared to unexposed populations.

Screening of Chromosomal Aberrations and Sister Chromatid Exchanges in Peripheral Lymphocytes of Vegetable Garden Workers

1 Twenty-five male workers occupationally exposed to DDT, BHC malathion, parathion, dimethoate, fenitrothion, urea and gromor were selected as subjects for the analysis of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in peripheral lymphocytes. 2 Blood samples were collected from 30 normal healthy males from the same age group and socioeconomic class for the control. 3 The frequency of chromosomal aberrations and SCEs increased significantly irrespective of the duration of exposure to pesticides, when compared to controls.

Clastogenic effect of pesticides in peripheral lymphocytes of cotton-field workers

We studied clastogenic effects in peripheral lymphocytes of cotton-field workers who were exposed to different pesticides. All the cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium for 48 and 72 h. The type of aberrations observed in the exposed group are gaps, breaks, dicentrics, exchanges, rings and polyploidy. The frequency of total chromosomal aberrations increased significantly in male pesticide applicators when compared to controls. A significant decrease in mitotic index was observed in the exposed group as compared to the control group. The 48-h cultures showed high incidence of chromosomal aberrations and low mitotic index when compared to 72-h cultures. The difference in chromosomal aberrations between 48- and 72-h cultures was not significant. 24 out of 26 individuals showed ill health effects such as severe giddiness and nervous disorders.

Mutagenicity studies involving aldrin, endosulfan, dimethoate, phosphamidon, carbaryl and ceresan.

Agriculture use of pesticides carries with it potential hazards to man directly by exposure to toxic residues in food and indirectly through its environment. 0rganchlorine pesticides are persistent and their toxicity varies remarkably. These pesticides are residual in nature, accumulate in the body and cause chronic toxicity (SYED QUDRI 1978). 0rganophosphorus pesticides are moderately to highly toxic and hazardous to handle. Chr~nosc~e damage due to organophosphorus insecticides through accidental and occupational exposure has been reported by TRINH VAN~AO, et al. (1974) and YODER et al. (1973). Further, occupational workers exhibited a higher frequency of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocyte culture during spraying season (YODER et al. (1973), showing genotoxic effects in man. Carbamates are widely used as insecticides, some of them were tested for their mutagenic effects (MARSHALL et al. 1976, DEAN BLEVINS et al. 1972, SINHA et al. 1978). Mutagenic potentialities of mercuric pesticides have also been reported (RAMEL 1969), SKERFVING et al. 1970).

Cytogeneticity of Quinalphos and Methyl Parathion in Human Peripheral Lymphocytes

1 Four different concentrations of quinalphos and methyl parathion were tested on human peripheral lymphocytes over different time periods, for the analysis of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs). 2 A significant increase in chromosomal aberrations was observed when cells were treated with quinalphos for 48 and 72 h and a significant increase in SCEs was observed at all the concentrations and over all the time periods. 3 Methyl-parathion did not induce chromosomal aberrations but it did induce SCEs significantly over all time periods.

Genotoxic effect of benzene hexachloride in cultured human lymphocytes

SummaryChromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges, mitotic index and cell kinetics were observed in human peripheral lymphocytes after treatment with four different concentrations (0.0125, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 μg/ml) of benzene hexachloride (BHC), an organochlorine pesticide. Cells were treated with BHC for 24, 48 and 72h. There was a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges. A significant decrease in mitotic index was observed at all concentrations and times of exposure. BHC did not show a significant effect on cell kinetics.

Effect of glutathione on mitomycin C-induced micronuclei in bone marrow erythrocytes of Swiss albino mice.

The antimutagenic potential of glutathione (GSH) on mitomycin C (MMC)-induced micronuclei was evaluated in Swiss albino mice using the in vivo bone marrow micronucleus test. Six groups of animals were maintained simultaneously. The first group received distilled water only, the second group of animals received 2 mg/kg MMC and the third group was administered 4 doses of GSH, i.e., 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg. The fourth group of animals received GSH and MMC simultaneously. The fifth and sixth groups received a cumulative dose of GSH followed by MMC after 24 h. The fifth group of animals were killed 6 h after the administration of MMC, while the sixth group were killed 24 h after the administration of MMC. The results clearly show a statistically significant increase in micronuclei in MMC-treated animals and also in animals that received GSH followed by MMC. However, there was a decrease in micronuclei in animals that received GSH and MMC simultaneously. The results clearly indicate that GSH exhibits an antimutagenic property in the presence of MMC. It is also observed the treatment with GSH prior to MMC does have some protective effect.