Effects of ethanol and lead on mouse chromosomes
Omoto, M.; Imai, T.; Seki, K.; Nomura, R.; Hirai, M.
Arukoru Kenkyu to Yakubutsu Izon 23(2): 137-146
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0389-4118 PMID: 3421843 Document Number: 325256
We have carried out experimental studies in order to examine how drinking modifies the toxicity of hazardous chemical agents in workers who are occupationally exposed to them. In the present study, the effects of alcohol and lead on mouse chromosomes were examined. A total of 26 mice (22 female AKR mice and four female BALB/C mice) were used. These mice were treated with 10% ethanol (Alc group), 100 ppm lead (aqueous solution of lead acetate) (Pb group), 100 ppm lead plus 10% ethanol (lead acetate with 10% ethanol solution) (Alc + Pb group), or tap-water (control group). After administration of these solutions for three months, the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in cultured peripheral lymphocytes and structural chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells was determined. The three treated groups showed a significant increase of SCEs; the mean frequencies of SCEs in the Alc, Pb, Alc + Pb, and control groups were 10.98, 10.20, 9.80 and 6.98, respectively. Therefore, no synergistic effect of alcohol and lead on SCEs was detected in the Alc + Pb group. It was noted, however, that the frequency distribution of SCEs in the Alc + Pb group showed a sharp decline in range where the SCE number exceeded 14, suggesting a possible synergistic cell-killing effect of alcohol and lead. As for structural chromosome aberrations (breaks and gaps) in bone marrow cells, no significant increase was observed in any of the treated groups. However, two out of six subjects in the Pb group showed an extremely high frequency of structural chromosome aberration.