Genotoxicity of an organochlorine pesticide dichlorophene by micronucleus and chromosomal aberration assays using bone marrow cells of Rattus norvegicus

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible genotoxic damage of dichlorophene stress in rats by chromosomal aberration (CA), micronucleus (MN) and mitotic index (MI) assays in bone marrow cells. The study was carried out in vivousing three sublethal concentrations, 66.9 mg, 133.8 mg and 200.7 mg kg–1body weight of rat of dichlorophene administered intraperitoneally. The bone marrow cells were evaluated in each of the three treated groups at multiple durations. The MN and CA frequencies were increased significantly. A positive time- and dose-response relationship in all exposures was observed. However, the MI significantly decreased at each concentration compared to normal control. The results confirm the cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in Rattus norvegicus, and the suitability of the parameters for the screening of the genotoxicant is further discussed.