Inhibitory effects of benomyl and carbendazim on the [ 3H]thymidine incorporation in various organs of the mouse — Evidence for a more pronounced action of benomyl

Abstract

The benzimidazole fungicides benomyl and carbendazim were compared with regard to effects on [ 3H]thymidine incorporation in various organs of male mice the compounds orally at various time intervals before sacrifice. Since carbendazim is a major metabolite of benomyl, it is generally assumed that the fungicidal action and toxicity of these compounds are due to the action of carbendazim. However, whereas benomyl inhibited the [ 3H]thymidine incorporation into thymus, spleen, liver, kidney and testis, and equimolar amount (3.4 mmol/kg body wt) of carbendazim induced a similar effect only in testis.