title: Genotoxicity studies on the azo dye Direct Red 2 using the in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test.
abstract: The clastogenicity of the azo dye Direct Red 2 (DR2) has been investigated using the murine bone marrow micronucleus assay. A potent dose-dependent response was observed following oral gavage of DR2 up to 4 mg/kg, after which significant toxicity to the erythroid compartment was observed. The route of administration had a significant effect on the frequency of micronucleus formation: intraperitoneal injection was approximately two-fold less clastogenic than the equivalent dose delivered orally (p<0.05). The requirement for activation of DR2 by intestinal microflora was indicated by the fact that mice given acid-treated water prior to administration of DR2 showed a significant reduction (40%; p<0.001) in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte formation. The implications of these findings for the health and safety of occupationally exposed workers are discussed.
authors.affiliation: PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, India.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rajaguru
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Fairbairn
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ashby
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Willington
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Woolford
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chinnasamy
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Rafferty
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001391:Azo Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D001711:Biotransformation; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D009153:Mutagens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D009282:Naphthalenesulfonates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D011634:Public Health
chemical_list: D001391:Azo Compounds; D004396:Coloring Agents; D009153:Mutagens; D009282:Naphthalenesulfonates; C007060:benzopurpurine 4B