Genetic toxicology of 1,1,2-trichloroethylene

In vitro cytogenetic assessment of trichloroacetic acid in human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a common water disinfection byproduct and a persistent metabolite of trichloroethylene (TCE), has been examined for its genotoxic potential in human lymphocytes. Chromosomal aberration (CA) and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay were employed to assess the toxicity of TCA. Lymphocytes obtained from three healthy donors were exposed to 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml concentration of TCA separately. TCA exposure resulted in chromosomal anomalies and the formation of micronuclei in lymphocytes. Chromosome analysis revealed the dose-dependent and significant induction of CA. Chromatid break/chromosome break, fragments, and chromatid exchanges were commonly observed. Exposure of higher concentration (50 and 100 μg/ml) significantly inhibited mitotic index. Data obtained with CBMN assay indicated that the induction of micronucleus (MN) formation was greater than that of CA. At 25 μg/ml, TCA induced significant frequencies of MN as compared to control cells. Significant induction of MN at the lowest concentration indicates TCA may also interact with mitotic spindles. Lower percentage of CA and MN at 100 μg/ml as compared to 50 μg/ml indicates occurrence of severe cytotoxicity on exposure of 100 μg/ml TCA in lymphocytes. Collectively, results of both cytogenetic assays indicate that exposure of TCA can induce significant genotoxic and cytotoxic effects.

Toxicity, biomarkers, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of trichloroethylene and its metabolites: a review

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a prevalent occupational and environmental contaminant that has been reported to cause a variety of toxic effects. This article reviews toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity caused by the exposure of TCE and its metabolites in the living system as well as on their (TCE and its metabolites) toxicity biomarkers.

Evaluation of the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) in mouse liver tumor induction by trichloroethylene and metabolites

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent and a widespread environmental contaminant. Induction of liver cancer in mice by TCE is thought to be mediated by two metabolites, dichloroacetate (DCA) and trichloroacetate (TCA), both of which are themselves mouse liver carcinogens. TCE, TCA, and DCA are relatively weak peroxisome proliferators (PP), a group of rodent hepatocarcinogens that activate a nuclear receptor, PP-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha. The objective of this review is to assess the weight of evidence (WOE) that PPARalpha is or is not mechanistically involved in mouse liver tumor induction by TCE and metabolites. Based on similarities of TCE and TCA to typical PP, including dose-response characteristics showing PPARalpha-dependent responses coincident with liver tumor induction and abolishment of TCE and TCA effects in PPARalpha-null mice, the WOE supports the hypothesis that PPARalpha plays a dominant role in TCE- and TCA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Data indicates that the MOA for DCA tumor induction is PPARalpha-independent. Uncertainties remain regarding the genesis of the TCE-induced tumors. In contrast to the TCA-induced tumors, which have molecular features similar to those induced by typical PP, there is evidence, albeit weak, that TCE tumors arise by a mode of action (MOA) different from that of TCA tumors, based largely on dissimilarities in molecular markers found in TCE versus TCA-induced tumors. In summary, the WOE indicates that TCA-induced liver tumors arise by a PPARalpha-dependent MOA. Although the TCE MOA is likely dominated by a PPARalpha-dependent contribution from TCA, the contribution of a PPARalpha-independent MOA from DCA cannot be ruled out.

Lack of direct mitogenic activity of dichloroacetate and trichloroacetate in cultured rat hepatocytes

Dichloroacetate (DCA) and trichloroacetate (TCA) are hepatocarcinogenic metabolites of the common groundwater contaminant, 1,1,2-trichloroethylene. DCA and TCA have been shown to induce hepatocyte proliferation in vivo, but it is not known if this response is the result of direct mitogenic activity or whether cell replication occurs indirectly in response to tissue injury or inflammation. In this study we used primary cultures of rat hepatocytes, a species susceptible to DCA- but not TCA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, to determine whether DCA and TCA are direct hepatocyte mitogens. Rat hepatocytes, cultured in growth factor-free medium, were treated with 0.01-1.0 mM DCA or TCA for 10-40 h; cell replication was then assessed by measuring incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA and by cell counts. DCA or TCA treatment did not alter 3H-thymidine incorporation in the cultured hepatocytes. Although an increase in cell number was not observed, DCA treatment significantly abrogated the normal background cell loss, suggesting an ability to inhibit apoptotic cell death in primary hepatocyte cultures. Furthermore, treatment with DCA synergistically enhanced the mitogenic response to epidermal growth factor. The data indicate that DCA and TCA are not direct mitogens in hepatocyte cultures, which is of interest in view of their ability to stimulate hepatocyte replication in vivo. Nevertheless, the synergistic enhancement of epidermal growth factor-induced hepatocyte replication by DCA is of particular interest and warrants further study.

Induction of peroxisome proliferation in cultured hepatocytes by a series of halogenated acetates

Trichloroacetate (TCA) and dichloroacetate (DCA) are hepatocarcinogenic metabolites of the environmental pollutant trichloroethylene (TCE) and are common water contaminants. Induction of peroxisome proliferation via activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) has been proposed as a mechanism for their hepatocarcinogenic action. However, it is unclear whether these compounds are direct ligands of PPARalpha or whether activation occurs by a ligand-independent process. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether a primary rat hepatocyte model system could be used to examine structure-activity relationships of haloacetates for the induction of peroxisomal palmitoyl-CoA oxidation. The haloacetates tested differed in both type (iodo, bromo, chloro and fluoro) and extent (mono, di and tri) substitution. Significant differences were observed in both potency and efficacy. Potency varied over about two orders of magnitude, in the order of mono > di = tri. Within the monohalo-substituted series, the order of potency was iodo > bromo > chloro, with the fluoro analog being essentially inactive. The monoiodo- and monobromo-derivatives showed significant induction at 50 and 100 microM, respectively, but cytotoxicity precluded obtaining full concentration-response curves. The dihalo- and trihalo-acetates had generally similar potency, and, with the exception of the diflouro- and dibromoacetates, showed a maximal induction of two- to three-fold. Difluoroacetate and dibromoacetate induced palmitoyl-CoA oxidation by nine- and six-fold, respectively, approaching the effectiveness of Wy-14,643 (50 microM) in this system. Of interest, the slopes of the concentration-dependence lines of the difluoro- and dibromo-acetates were markedly dissimilar from the other di- and tri-haloacetates, suggesting either a marked difference in the way they activate the PPARalpha receptor or a substantial difference in the way they are metabolized or transported by the hepatocytes.

Trichloroethylene induced testicular toxicity in rats exposed by inhalation

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an organic solvent used in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, thinner for paints and varnishes, anesthetic agent, and so forth. Human beings are appreciably exposed to TCE vapours by inhalation route. The present study has been undertaken to investigate whether TCE inhalation may also bring about testicular toxic effects. Our results indicate that inhalation of TCE by male rats for 12 and 24 weeks brings about significant reduction in absolute testicular weight, and alters marker testicular enzymes activity associated with spermatogenesis and germ cell maturation, along with marked histopathological changes showing depletion of germs cells and spermatogenic arrest.

Guar gum reduces trichloroethylene accumulation in the body by reducing TCE absorption and fat tissue mass

Two studies were conducted regarding the effects of guar gum on accumulation and metabolism of trichloroethylene (TCE). In study 1, 6- and 14-weeks-old rats were given a single oral dose of 100 mg of trichloroethylene (TCE). Ten hours after administration of TCE, a marked positive correlation was noted between relative fat tissue weights and TCE distribution in fat tissues. Therefore, a small mass of fat tissue apparently limited TCE accumulation. In study 2, each of four groups of rats was fed one of four diets: cellulose-soybean oil, cellulose-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), guar gum-soybean oil, or guar gum-DHA for 3 weeks and then all were given TCE as in study 1. The rate of decrease of TCE distributed in fat tissues of groups fed guar gum compared with corresponding groups fed cellulose was greater than the rate of decrease in relative weight of these tissues. TCE absorption by groups fed guar gum decreased 12% compared with TCE absorption of corresponding groups fed cellulose. Therefore, guar gum decreased TCE accumulation in the body by reducing TCE absorption and fat tissue mass.

Dermal benzene and trichloroethylene induce aneuploidy in immature hematopoietic subpopulations in vivo

Accumulation of genetic damage in long-lived cell populations with proliferative capacity is implicated in tumorigenesis. Hematopoietic stem cells (hsc) maintain lifetime hematopoiesis, and recent studies demonstrate that hsc in leukemic patients are cytogenetically aberrant. We postulated that exposure to agents associated with increased leukemia risk would induce genomic changes in cells in the hsc compartment. Aneusomy involving chromosomes 2 and 11 in sorted hsc (Lin(-)c-kit(+)Sca-1(+)) and maturing lymphoid and myeloid cells from mice that received topical doses of benzene (bz) or trichloroethylene (TCE) was quantified using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Six days after bz or TCE exposure, aneuploid cells in the hsc compartment increase four- to eightfold in a dose- and schedule-independent manner. Aneuploid lymphoid and myeloid cells from bz- and TCE-treated mice approximate controls, except after repeated benzene exposures. Aneuploid cells are more frequent in the hsc compartment than in mature hematopoietic subpopulations. Hematotoxicity was also quantified in bz- and TCE-exposed hematopoietic subpopulations using two colony-forming assays: CFU-GM (colony-forming units/granulocyte-macrophage progenitors) and CAFC (cobblestone area-forming cells). Data indicate that bz is transiently cytotoxic (< or =1 week) to hsc subpopulations, and induces more persistent toxicity (>2 weeks) in maturing, committed progenitor subpopulations. TCE is not hematotoxic at the doses applied. In conclusion, we provide direct evidence for induction of aneuploidy in cells in the hsc compartment by topical exposure to bz and TCE. Disruption of genomic integrity and/or toxicity in hsc subpopulations may be one step in leukemic progression.

Reaction of trichloroethylene oxide with proteins and dna: instability of adducts and modulation of functions

Trichloroethylene (TCE) shows several types of toxicities, some of which may be the result of bioactivation. Oxidation by P450s yields the electrophile TCE oxide. We previously analyzed N(6)-acyllysine adducts formed from the reaction of TCE oxide with proteins [Cai, H., and Guengerich, F. P. (2000) Chem. Res. Toxicol. 13, 327-335]; however, we had been unable to measure ester adducts under the prolonged conditions of proteolysis and derivatization. Protein amino acid adducts were directly observed by mass spectrometry during the reaction of TCE oxide with the model polypeptides insulin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, residues 1-24). The majority (80%) of the protein adducts were unstable under physiological conditions and had a collective t(1/2) of approximately 1 h, suggesting that they are ester type adducts formed from reactions of Cys, Ser, Tyr, or Thr residues with intermediates formed in TCE oxide hydrolysis. Synthetic O-acetyl-L-Ser and O-acetyl-L-Tyr had half-lives of 1 h and 10 min at pH 8.0, respectively, similar to the stabilities of the protein adducts. The effects of TCE oxide adduct formation on catalytic activities were examined with five model enzymes. No recovery of catalytic activity was observed during the reaction of TCE oxide with two model enzymes for which the literature suggests roles of a Lys, rabbit muscle aldolase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. However, in the cases of papain (essential Cys residue in the active site), alpha-chymotrypsin (critical Ser residue), and D-amino acid oxidase (essential Cys and Tyr residues), time-dependent recoveries of enzyme activity were observed following reaction with TCE oxide or either of two model nucleophiles (dichloroacetyl chloride and acetic formic anhydride), paralleling the kinetics of removal of adducts from insulin and ACTH. Formation of adducts ( approximately 2%) was detected in the direct reaction of TCE oxide with 2'-deoxyguanosine, but not with the other three nucleosides found in DNA. During the reaction of TCE oxide with a synthetic 8-mer oligonucleotide, formation of adducts was observed by mass spectrometry. However, the adducts had a t(1/2) of 30 min at pH 8.5. These results indicate the transient nature of the adducts formed from the reaction of TCE oxide with macromolecules and their biological effects.

Mutagenicity of trichloroethylene and its metabolites: implications for the risk assessment of trichloroethylene

This article addresses the evidence that trichloroethylene (TCE) or its metabolites might mediate tumor formation via a mutagenic mode of action. We review and draw conclusions from the published mutagenicity and genotoxicity information for TCE and its metabolites, chloral hydrate (CH), dichloroacetic acid (DCA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), trichloroethanol, S-(1, 2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine (DCVC), and S-(1, 2-dichlorovinyl) glutathione (DCVG). The new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed Cancer Risk Assessment Guidelines provide for an assessment of the key events involved in the development of specific tumors. Consistent with this thinking, we provide a new and general strategy for interpreting genotoxicity data that goes beyond a simple determination that the chemical is or is not genotoxic. For TCE, we conclude that the weight of the evidence argues that chemically induced mutation is unlikely to be a key event in the induction of human tumors that might be caused by TCE itself (as the parent compound) and its metabolites, CH, DCA, and TCA. This conclusion derives primarily from the fact that these chemicals require very high doses to be genotoxic. There is not enough information to draw any conclusions for trichloroethanol and the two trichloroethylene conjugates, DCVC and DCVG. There is some evidence that DCVC is a more potent mutagen than CH, DCA, or TCA. Unfortunately, definitive conclusions as to whether TCE will induce tumors in humans via a mutagenic mode of action cannot be drawn from the available information. More research, including the development and use of new techniques, is required before it is possible to make a definitive assessment as to whether chemically induced mutation is a key event in any human tumors resulting from exposure to TCE.

Acylation of protein lysines by trichloroethylene oxide

Stable lysine adducts were formed in proteins following reaction with trichloroethylene (TCE) oxide, the major reactive compound generated by the metabolism of TCE. The order of formation of these adducts is N(6)-formyllysine > N(6)-(dichloroacetyl)lysine >> N(6)-glyoxyllysine, with the ratio being influenced by the particular protein. Protein lysine adducts were also analyzed following the enzymatic oxidation of TCE with several different cytochrome P450 (P450) enzyme systems. The ratio of formyl/dichloroacetyl lysine adducts was influenced by the enzyme system that was used. Chloral and TCE oxide formation was more extensive with rat liver microsomes isolated from phenobarbital-treated rats than with rat microsomes in which P450 2E1 was induced by treatment with isoniazid or in human P450 2E1 systems. Glutathione (GSH) and GSH transferase had inhibitory effects on the reaction of TCE oxide with albumin, with formylation being atteunated much more than the formation of dichloroacetyllysine. GSH is likely to react with the reactive acyl chloride intermediates formed from TCE oxide hydrolysis, instead of direct reaction with TCE oxide, as judged by the lack of an effect of GSH on the rate of decomposition of TCE oxide. Studies with the model enzymes aldolase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, both known to have sensitive lysine groups, indicate that TCE oxide has effects similar to known acylating agents that form the same adducts; concentrations of TCE oxide (or the model acylating agents) in the low-millimolar range were needed for inhibition. The characterization of TCE-derived protein adducts can be used as a basis for consideration of the exposure and risk of TCE to humans. Human P450 2E1 was less likely to oxidize TCE to form TCE oxide and protein lysine adducts than rat P450 2B1, and the difference is rationalized in terms of the influence of the protein on chloride migration in an enzyme reaction intermediate.

C-mitotic effects of trichloroethylene (TCE) on bone marrow cells of mice

The possible aneuploidy inducing activity of Trichloroethylene (TCE, CAS No. 79-01-6) an industrial chemical was investigated by employing three cytogenetic end points i.e., C-mitotic effects, Micronuclei (MN) and parallel chromosome structural aberration (CA) analysis in vivo. The experiments were conducted in mouse bone marrow cells. The animals were treated with TCE in the dose of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/kg for 6, 12, 24, 48 hr. Colchicine (COL) was taken as positive control for its known aneuploidy-inducing effects and Cyclophosphamide as a model mutagen. TCE showed positive CM effects accompanied with increases of Mitotic Index and decreased frequencies of anaphases in higher doses. The chemical showed a positive MN response in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes but was negative in CA analysis. The preliminary results indicated that TCE is capable of inducing C-mitotic effects in mouse bone marrow cells which is suggestive of its possible aneuploidy induction potential.

Dose-dependent binding of trichloroethylene to hepatic DNA and protein at low doses in mice

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widely used industrial chemical and a low level contaminant of surface and ground water in industrialized areas. It is weakly mutagenic in several test systems and carcinogenic in rodents. However, the mechanism for its carcinogenicity is not known. We investigated the binding of [1,2-14C]TCE ([14C]TCE) to liver DNA and proteins in male B6C3F1 mice at doses more relevant to humans than used previously. The time course for the binding was studied in animals dosed with 4.1 micrograms [14C]TCE/kg body weight (b.w.) and sacrificed between 0.5 and 120 h after i.p. injection. A dose response study was carried out in mice given [14C]TCE at doses between 2 micrograms/kg and 200 mg/kg b.w. and sacrificed 2 h post-treatment. [14C]TCE associated with the DNA and protein extracts was measured using accelerator mass spectrometry. The highest level of protein binding (2.4 ng/g protein) was observed 1 h after the treatment followed by a rapid decline, indicating pronounced instability of the adducts and/or rapid turnover of liver proteins. DNA binding was biphasic with the first peak (75 pg/g DNA) at 4 h. However, the highest binding (120 pg/g DNA) was found between 24 and 72 h after the treatment. Dose response curves were linear for both protein and DNA binding. The binding of TCE metabolites to DNA was ca. 100-fold lower than to proteins when calculated per unit weight of macromolecules and when measured 2 h post-exposure. This study shows that TCE metabolites bind to DNA and proteins in a dose-dependent manner in liver, one of the target organs for its tumorigenicity. Thus, protein and DNA adduct formation should be considered as a factor in the tumorigenesis of TCE.

Trichloroethylene--a review of the literature from a health effects perspective

This report reviews the literature on the impact of exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) on human health. Special emphasis is given to the health effects reported in excess of national norms by participants in the TCE Subregistry of the Volatile Organic Compounds Registry of the National Exposure Registries--persons with documented exposure to TCE through drinking and use of contaminated water. The health effects reported in excess by some or all of the sex and age groups studied were speech and hearing impairments, effects of stroke, liver problems, anemia and other blood disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract disorders, and skin rashes.

Toxicological investigations in the semiconductor industry: III: Studies on prenatal toxicity caused by waste products from aluminum plasma etching processes

The prenatal toxic effects of contaminated vacuum pump oil (Sample A) and solid waste products (Samples B and C) originating from aluminum plasma etching processes in semiconductor manufacturing were investigated. Three strains of pregnant mice with different degrees of sensitivity during organogenesis (days 6-15 of gestation) were treated daily with 1000 mglkg b.w. (Sample A), 500 or 750 mg/kg b.w. (Sample B), and 250, 500, or 750 mg/kg b.w. (Sample C). On day 18 of pregnancy, the animals were killed and examined for gross changes, number and weight of live fetuses, as well as the number of postimplantation losses and malformations. Analytical data showed that the investigated wastes contained various halogenated hydrocarbons and inorganic compounds. Sample A revealed no signs of prenatal toxic action. In contrast, administration of Samples B and C caused strong prenatal toxic effects. The number of live fetuses declined in a dose--related manner, and evidence of intrauterine growth retardation was noted in fetuses that survived to day 18. The number of fetuses with malformations (only cleft palates) rose significantly in accordance with the doses and sensitivity of the strains (> 95 % of the fetuses of the most sensitive strain after 750 mg/kg; 85% after 500 mg/kg).

Inhalation studies of the genotoxicity of trichloroethylene to rodents

Trichloroethylene (TCE) (CAS No. 79-01-6) is an industrial solvent used in degreasing, dry cleaning, and numerous other medical and industrial processes. Controlled inhalation studies were performed using male C57BL/6 mice and CD rats to determine if TCE can induce cytogenetic damage in vivo. Animals were exposed in groups of five to target concentrations of either 0, 5, 500, or 5000 ppm TCE for 6 h. Tissue samples were taken between 18 and 19 h post exposure. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in rats and splenocytes in mice were cultured and analyzed for the induction of sister-chromatid exchanges, chromosome aberrations, and micronuclei (MN) in cytochalasin B-blocked binucleated cells. Bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) were analyzed for MN. The only positive response observed was for MN in rat bone marrow PCEs. TCE caused a statistically significant increase in MN at all concentrations, inducing an approximate fourfold increase over control levels at 5000 ppm. TCE was also cytotoxic in rats, causing a significant concentration-related decrease in the ratio of PCEs/normochromatic erythrocytes. This study indicates that there may be species-specific cytogenetic effects attributed to TCE inhalation exposure. In follow-up studies, CD rats were exposed for 6 h/day over 4 consecutive days to either 0, 5, 50 or 500 ppm TCE. No statistically significant concentration-related increases in cytogenetic damage were observed. While the MN frequencies in the 4-day study were comparable to those at the equivalent concentrations in the 1-day study, they were not significantly elevated due to an unusually high MN frequency in the controls. A subsequent replication of the 1-day 5000 ppm TCE exposure with rats again showed a highly significant increase in MN frequencies compared to concurrent controls.

Spermatid micronucleus analyses of trichloroethylene and chloral hydrate effects in mice

Mice were exposed by inhalation to trichloroethylene (TCE) or by i.p. injection to the TCE metabolite, chloral hydrate (CH). Early spermatids were analyzed for micronucleus (MN) frequency and the presence or absence of kinetochore(s) using fluorochrome-labeled anti-kinetochore antibodies. It was determined that 5 consecutive days of exposure to 5, 50 or 500 ppm TCE during preleptotene through early pachytene stages of meiotic cell development do not result in increased frequencies of spermatid MN. CH at 41, 83 or 165 mg/kg was positive for spermatid MN induction when treatments corresponded to spermatogonial stem cell or preleptotene spermatocyte stages of development; negative results were obtained after treatments of leptotene-zygotene or diakinesis-metaphase stages. The significantly increased levels of MN observed were invariably of the kinetochore-negative type.

A mechanism for the development of Clara cell lesions in the mouse lung after exposure to trichloroethylene

Female CD-1 mice exposed to trichloroethylene (6 h/day) at concentrations from 20-2000 ppm developed a highly specific lung lesion after a single exposure, characterised by vacuolation of the Clara cells, the number of cells affected increasing with increasing dose level. At the highest dose levels pyknosis of the Clara cells was apparent. After 5 days of repeated exposures the lesion had resolved but exposure of mice following a 2-day break resulted in recurrence of the lesion. The changes in mouse lung Clara cells were accompanied by a marked loss of cytochrome P-450 activities. No morphological changes were seen in the lungs of rats exposed to either 500 or 1000 ppm trichloroethylene. Isolated mouse lung Clara cells were shown to metabolize trichloroethylene to chloral, trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid. Chloral was the major metabolite. Trichloroethanol glucuronide was not detected. In comparative experiments using mouse hepatocytes the major metabolites were trichloroethanol and its glucuronide conjugate. The activity of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase was compared in mouse lung Clara cells and hepatocytes using two phenolic substrates and trichloroethanol. Hepatocytes readily formed glucuronides from all three substrates whereas Clara cells were only active with the two phenolic substrates. The three major metabolites of trichloroethylene, chloral, trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid were each dosed to mice and of these metabolites, only chloral had an effect on mouse lung causing a lesion (Clara cell) identical to that seen with trichloroethylene. It is proposed that the failure of Clara cells to conjugate trichloroethanol leads to an accumulation of chloral which results in cytotoxicity. The known genotoxicity of chloral suggests that this lesion may be related to the development of lung tumours in mice exposed to trichloroethylene by inhalation.

Detection of aneuploidy in male germ cells of mice by means of a meiotic micronucleus assay

The possibility of using a micronucleus (MN) assay in mouse germ cells for the identification of aneuploidogenic agents was evaluated by comparing the pattern of effects induced by 4 chemicals with different mechanisms of action (adriamycin, ADM; mitomycin C, MMC; chloral hydrate, CH; ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid, EDTA). The results obtained after treatment of spermatocytes at the premeiotic S-phase (preleptotene) indicated that only clastogenic agents (ADM and MMC) were able to induce MN at this cell stage. Previous data obtained with the same compounds demonstrated by contrast that the micronucleus spermatid assay may detect both clastogenic and aneuploidogenic effects after treatment of diakinesis/MI/MII cells. Analysis of MN size distributions, in the present and previous spermatid samples, revealed that the clastogens ADM and MMC produced relatively more small MN than CH and EDTA. These data are in agreement with the proposed mechanism of action of the chemicals tested.

Increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations in railroad car painters

The purpose of this study was to determine if exposure to paints and solvents contributes to chromosomal alterations in occupationally exposed individuals. A total of 25 male railroad and underground railroad car painters were studied. This group had a mean age of 32.7 y and a mean exposure time of 5.2 y. The results were compared with those obtained for 25 healthy (unexposed) males. The scoring of structural chromosome aberrations clearly revealed an increase in the number of all types of aberrations considered in the population of painters. This suggests that exposure to a combination of chemicals may increase genotoxicity in industrial workers.

Soil adsorption alters kinetics and bioavailability of trichloroethylene in orally exposed female rats

Soil contamination with dangerous toxic chemicals remains one of the most difficult problems in this era. Bioavailability of a chemical absorbed through gastrointestinal tract exposure from contaminated soil may differ from that seen following exposure to the pure chemical. In this study 4.6 microCi of 14C-TCE (trichloroethylene) alone, or adsorbed to clay or sandy soil, was administered to female Sprague-Dawley rats. Maximum plasma levels of radioactivity were highest in the presence of clay soil. However, they were similar for TCE alone and sandy-soil-adsorbed chemical. The half-life (t1/2) of absorption was statistically longer and the half-life of elimination was statistically shorter in the presence of sandy soil compared with TCE alone. There were no differences in the area under the plasma concentration-time curves between groups. Liver and kidney exhibited the highest tissue concentrations of radioactivity in all groups. Urine was the primary route of excretion followed by expired air in the pure- and clay-soil-adsorbed groups. However, equal amounts of the dose were excreted in both urine and expired air of the sandy-soil-adsorbed group with a significant increase of radioactivity in expired air throughout the 72-h study period. Trichloroethanol was the major urinary metabolite of TCE.

Altered developmental toxicity caused by three carrier solvents

Many aquatic bioassays rely on chemical solvents to solubilize water-insoluble test materials. Interactions between solvents and test materials can lead to false positive or negative results. For this reason, tests for interactions between solvents and test materials were performed. The Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay--Xenopus (FETAX) was chosen because of its capacity to assess three different endpoints; mortality, malformation and embryo growth. Three solvents--dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), acetone and triethylene glycol (TG)--were tested with two teratogens--methylmercury chloride (MMC) and trichloroethylene (TCE). DMSO potentiated the lethal effect of both teratogens but did not alter significantly the rate of malformation. Acetone increased the mortality for both teratogens, but only increased the MMC malformation greater than the additive effects. TG only increased the mortality and malformation with TCE. There were additive effects for growth for all solvents with the teratogens. The carrier solvents caused interactions even at their no-observable-effect concentration (NOEC). Therefore, the choice of carrier solvent should be made with caution. This study shows that different results can occur depending on the solvent used, and that a difference in one endpoint does not necessarily change the other endpoints.