Effects of sulphur-containing compounds and X-rays on the mouse erythropoietic system assayed by in-vivo peripheral blood micronucleus test.
OBJECTIVE
The protective effect of the sulphur-containing agents, MEA (cysteamine HCl), AET (2-aminoethyl-isothiouronium Br.HBr), and WR-2721 (S-2/3-aminopropylamino/ethylphosphorothioic acid) against induction of micronuclei in the erythropoietic system by X-rays was assessed.


METHODS
The mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay was applied. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) in the peripheral blood of adult male Swiss mice was determined 24 h after MEA, AET, or WR-2721 treatment, at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight, and whole-body X-ray exposure to a dose of 6 Gy.


RESULTS
After X-irradiation of mice, the number of MNPCE was distinctly increased. MEA, AET, or WR-2721 administration, 15 min prior to X-irradiation resulted in a reduction of the X-ray-induced elevation of the frequency of micronuclei. So, the radioprotection of the sulphur-containing drugs against the induction of MNPCE in the erythropoietic system by X-rays was shown.


CONCLUSIONS
The mouse peripheral blood micronucleus test can be used to screen potential radioprotective agents.
Mazur
L
L
Department of Animal Physiology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland.
D004999:Amifostine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D003543:Cysteamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004920:Erythropoiesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D015162:Micronucleus Tests / Q000379:methods; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013455:Sulfur / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation; D000338:beta-Aminoethyl Isothiourea / Q000494:pharmacology
D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D000338:beta-Aminoethyl Isothiourea; D003543:Cysteamine; D013455:Sulfur; D004999:Amifostine