Vinyl chloride: an example for evaluating mutagenic effects in mammals in vivo after exposure to inhalation

The Chinese or Striped-Back Hamster

Chinese hamsters are small rodents with a grayish black coat and a black dorsal stripe. Adult animals weigh approximately 39–46 gm, and measure approximately 9 cm in length. This species has been shown to be susceptible to a number of experimentally induced viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. In recent years, the Chinese hamster's contributions as a laboratory animal have been largely overshadowed by the focus on its cell lines and the role it plays in scientific research and biotechnology. The Chinese hamster used in biomedical research is traditionally classified as Cricetulus griseus. It has several biological features that have helped promote its use in biomedical research and these attributes include its small size, polyestrous cycle, short gestation period, and low chromosome number. The Chinese hamster has a low incidence of spontaneous and endogenous viral infections. This species has been shown to be susceptible to a number of experimentally induced viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Chinese hamster-derived cells have played a major role in cytogenetic toxicity assays and the production of glycosylated therapeutic proteins. The behavior, research uses, and general toxicology of the Chinese hamster are summarized in this chapter.

Chromosomal aberrations in cultured human lymphocytes treated with Marshal and its effective ingredient Carbosulfan

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of Marshal (insecticide/nematocide) and its effective ingredient Carbosulfan to induce chromosomal aberrations (CA) and other chromosomal abnormalities in human peripheral lymphocytes. Carbosulfan induced the formation of CA at all concentrations (10(-6), 5 x 10(-6), 10(-5), 5 x 10(-5) v/v) and treatment times. Marshal significantly induced the formation of CA at the two highest concentrations (10(-5) and 5 x 10(-5) v/v) at all treatment times. The extent of damage was greatest with Carbosulfan.

Sister-chromatid exchange: second report of the Gene-Tox Program

This paper reviews the ability of a number of chemicals to induce sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs). The SCE data for animal cells in vivo and in vitro, and human cells in vitro are presented in 6 tables according to their relative effectiveness. A seventh table summarizes what is known about the effects of specific chemicals on SCEs for humans exposed in vivo. The data support the concept that SCEs provide a useful indication of exposure, although the mechanism and biological significance of SCE formation still remain to be elucidated.