Abstract

The genotoxicity of two chemicals, isopropenyl benzene and trimellitic anhydride, was evaluated using male Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice bone marrow cells for the screening of micronucleus induction. 7 week male ICR mice were tested at dosages of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg for isopropenyl benzene and 475, 950 and 1900 mg/kg for trimellitic anhydride, respectively. As a result of counting the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte (MNPCE) of 2000 polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE), all treated groups expressed no statistically significant increase of MNPCE as compared to the negative control group. It was concluded that these two chemicals did not induce micronucleus in bone marrow cells and no direct proportion with dosage.

Key words: Mice, bone marrow, micronucleus induction, isopropenyl benzene, trimellitic anhydride.