Induction of single-strand breaks in dna of mice by trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene

Abstract

Trichloroethylene (TRI) (4–10 mmol kg body wt) and tetrachloroethylene (PER) (4–8 mmol kg body wt) were given to male mice by i.p. injection. The induction of single-strand breaks (SSB) in DNA of liver, kidney and lung was studied by the DNA unwinding technique. There was a linear increase of the level of SSB in kidney and liver DNA but not in lung DNA l h after administration. The damage was completely repaired 24 h after injection. The capability of TRI and PER to induce SSB in liver DNA is compared to that of three other substances, i.e., methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), styrene-7,8-oxide and styrene, which have been studied earlier by the same technique. The potency of the substances for induction of SSB was in the following order: MMS > styrene-7,8-oxide > styrene > PER > TRI.