Differential response of biochemical parameters to EMS and MMS treatments and their dose effect relationship on chromosomes in induced diabetic mouse

Aim : To study the effect of alkylating agents such as EMS and MMS on chromosomes and biochemical parameters in induced diabetic mouse. Methods : Chromosome preparations from bone marrow was made using the method of Evans et al. (1964) and biochemical estimations from the liver was done by the method of Sinha (1972) for catalase, Van der Vies (1954) for glycogen and Uchiyama and Mihara (1978) for MDA. Results : The study has revealed that EMS and MMS induced a dose dependent increase in chromosomal aberrations of chromatid type in the diabetic mouse. Nonetheless, it is interesting to note that, there is significant reduction in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in diabetic compared to non diabetic mice at all tested doses of EMS or MMS and at different recovery times [RTs]. On the other hand biochemical parameters showed a variable degree of reactivity: (1) catalase activity was significantly elevated in non diabetics whereas in diabetics it is significantly decreased with increasing concentrations of EMS. Contrary to this, the catalase activity in the case of MMS treatment is significantly reduced in non diabetics compared to diabetic mice. (2) However glycogen level is significantly reduced in both the diabetic and non diabetic with increasing concentrations of EMS or MMS, but MDA levels were significantly increased. Conclusion : (1) Even though alkylating agents induce chromosomal aberrations in diabetic mice, MMS, a methylating agent is a more potent inducer of chromatid type of aberrations than EMS, an ethylating agent. (2) Diabetic mouse is more resistant than the non diabetic to alkylating agents and (3) the tested agents altered the analyzed biochemical parameters. KEYWORDS: EMS; MMS; Chromosomal aberrations; Diabetic mouse; Catalase; Glycogen; MDA