Study on DNA Damage in Peripheral Lymphocytes of Rats Exposed to Acrylonitrile

Objective]To study the effect on DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes of rats exposed to acrylonitrile (ACN).[Methods]In acute and subacute oral experiments,the effects on DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes of rats exposed perorally to ACN at different doses (10 mg/kg,30 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) and for different exposure periods (2 h,14 days,28 days or 42 days) were measured using single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay.[Results]In the acute or subacute experiments,the extent of DNA damage in lymphocytes was gradually increased as the exposure dose increased and the exposure period was lengthened.It was significantly increased than that in the control group or that in 14 days' groups ( P 0.01).Meanwhile good dose and time response relationships ( P 0.01)were shown.However,the extent of DNA damage could access to saturated states while the exposure dose increased and the exposure period was lengthened in the subacute experiment.In contrast to the relatively homogeneous DNA damage patterns observed in control group,there was a significant difference in DNA damage patterns observed among cells in each exposure group.This difference increased as the exposure dose increased and the exposure period was lengthened.[Conclusion]ACN may result in DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes of rats.Meanwhile,the extent and the patterns of DNA damage are affected by both the exposure dose and duration.