Evaluation of cytogenetic effects of isoproturon on the root meristem cells of Allium sativum.
OBJECTIVE
To validate the use of Allium sativum as a reliable test model for genotoxicity, isoproturon, a substituted phenylalkylurea herbicide, was evaluated on the root meristem cells by this plant system.


METHODS
Test concentrations were selected by determining EC50 and root tips were exposed to various concentrations for 6 or 24 hr. EC50 concentration was calculated to be 70. 8 ppm for the root growth. In addition to root growth retardation exposure to isoproturon induced morphological changes like discolouration and stiffness of roots.


RESULTS
Exposure to various experimental concentrations of isoproturon (35-280 ppm), including EC50, significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the mitotic index and induced chromosome breaks/mitotic aberrations at 6 or 24 hr.


CONCLUSIONS
The frequency of aberrations was found to be decreased in a dose dependent manner at 24 or 48 hr post exposure, however in comparison of control cells the frequency of aberrations was considerably high which indicates genotoxicity potentials of isoproturon. Further, present study also suggests that Allium sativum is a sensitive, efficient, and reliable test system for measuring the genotoxicity potential of environmental chemicals.
Chauhan
L K
LK
Cell Biology Section, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, P. B. No. 80, M. G. Marg, Lucknow 226001, India.
Saxena
P N
PN
Gupta
S K
SK
D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004249:DNA Damage; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005737:Garlic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*; D006540:Herbicides / Q000633:toxicity*; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D008782:Methylurea Compounds / Q000633:toxicity*; D008938:Mitosis; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests / Q000379:methods; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D006540:Herbicides; D008782:Methylurea Compounds; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; C028904:isoproturon