CYTOTOXIC AND GENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF 2,2'-AZOBIS (2-AMIDINOPROPANE) HYDROCHLORIDE (AAPH) IN CULTURED HUMAN T-LYMPHOCYTES

The development of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CMBM) has transformed the human-lymphocyte micronucleus assay (MN) into a relia ble and precise method for assessing chromosome damage. As little work has dealt with the cytotoxic and gentoxic properties of free radicals , we studied the effects of a generator of free radicals, 2,2'azobis ( 2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH), by evaluating micronucleated c ell rates and the mitotic index. The statistical analysis of our resul ts shows enhanced micronucleated cells rates and a dose-dependent decr ease in mitotic index. The results confirm the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of free radical compounds after in vitro exposure, and thus a llow the studies of natural antimutagenic compounds at the cellular le vel.