Abstract
SUMMARYDiazepam (DZ), chlordiazepoxide (CDZ) and nitrazepam (NZ), three widely consumed benzodiazepine group of tranquilizers, were tested for their potential cytogenetic effects on the bone marrow cells of mice using the micronucleus test. For each drug mice of the age group 10–12 weeks were treated with a dose of 10, 20 or 40 mg/Kg twice at an interval of 24h via oral route. Untreated animals served the purpose of control. Bone marrow smears made at 6h after the second treatment were examined for the occurrence of micronuclei in polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocytes and nucleated cells. At the highest and intermediate dose levels both DZ and CDZ produced significantly higher incidences of micronuclei; but NZ failed to produce any response at any dose level. Both clastogenic and spindle poisoning effects of DZ and CDZ contributed to the production of micronuclei.
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