In vitro studies on the genotoxicity of 2,4-dichloro-6-nitrophenol ammonium (DCNPA) and its major metabolite.

Abstract

2,4-dichloro-6-nitrophenol ammonium (DCNPA) is used as a herbicide. However, information on the potential health hazards of DCNPA is limited. In a previous study, we found that DCNPA is genotoxic to Bacillus subtilis and yeast. Further studies were performed to determine whether DCNPA and its major metabolite, 2,4-dichloro-6-aminophenol (DCAP), can induce reverse mutations in Salmonella, gene mutations at the HPRT locus, sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and micronuclei (MN) in V79 cells. Results show that DCNPA does not produce a positive response for any endpoint at concentrations tested. However, treatment of V79 cultures with DCAP caused a significant increase in SCEs and MN in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that DCAP damages DNA and causes chromosomal aberrations in V79 cells. Therefore, DCNPA could pose potential health hazards to populations exposed to this herbicide.

• Authors: Z C Heng, T Ong, J Nath
• Journal: Mutation research (Mutat Res) Vol. 368 Issue 2 Pg. 149-55 (Jun 12 1996) ISSN: 0027-5107 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 8684405 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Aminophenols
• Benzamides
• Herbicides
• Mutagens
• 2,4-dichloro-6-nitrophenolamide
• 3,5-dichloro-1,4-aminophenol

Topics

• Aminophenols (toxicity)
• Animals
• Benzamides (toxicity)
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Cells, Cultured
• Cricetinae
• Herbicides (toxicity)
• Micronucleus Tests
• Mutagenicity Tests
• Mutagens (toxicity)
• Salmonella typhimurium (drug effects)
• Sister Chromatid Exchange (drug effects)