title: Investigation into the mutagenic activity of azathioprine (Imuran) in different test systems.
abstract: The chromosome-damaging effect of azathioprine (Imuran) was investigated in the micronucleus test with mice and rats, in the pertussis-stimulated lymphocyte metaphase test with rabbits, and in children on azathioprine therapy. In the micronucleus test, there was a dose-dependent increase in the number of cells with micronuclei. The dose was given twice in 24 h, i.p., 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight for mice, and 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for rats. In the lymphocyte test, a dose of 5 and 20 mg azathioprine per kg body weight was given orally to rabbits on three successive days after pertussis injection. Compared with treatment in the control group these treatments induced a significantly increased number of cells with chromosomal abnormalities. These results were confirmed in lymphocyte cultures of children on long-term azathioprine therapy after kidney transplantation, where an increase in the number of structural chromosomal abnormalities was observed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002467:Cell Nucleus; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002648:Child; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D009153:Mutagens; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D009153:Mutagens; D001379:Azathioprine