engleski

The micronucleus assay using reticulocytes from cadmium-treated suckling rats

The aim of this investigation was to see the genotoxic effects of cadmium chloride using the micronucleus (MN) test. Supplementation of calcium (Ca) in milk was studied as a possible protection against cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Twenty six days-old Wistar rats received nine daily oral doses of 0.5 mg Cd/kg body weight as CdCl2 x H2O. Ten animals received additional supplementation of 6% Ca as CaHPO4 x H2O suspension in cow’s milk through feed. Five no treated animals served as controls. Animals were killed at the age of 15 days by exsanguinations by the abdominal aorta. Blood samples were stained according to the protocol for supravital acridine orange staining. Two thousand reticulocytes per animal were analysed in the presence of microniclei. Chi-square test revealed significant differences in MN frequency between the Cd-treated rats, rats receiving combined treatment with Cd and Ca supplement, and controls (8.5% vs. 5.1% vs. 1.6%). The results showed that the applied Cd dose caused detectable genome damage which was reduced if pups were fed with Ca supplement.

micronucleus assay; reticulocytes; sucling rats; cadmium chloride

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