LACK OF ALACHLOR INDUCED DNA-DAMAGE AS ASSAYED IN RODENT LIVER BY THEALKALINE ELUTION TEST

Alachlor was studied in vivo for its capability to induce DNA damage, as evaluated by the alkaline elution test. The experiments were perfor med in mouse and rat liver after acute or subacute intraperitoneal or per os administrations of the chemical at sublethal dosages. Rat liver was also studied for DNA damage after administration of 2,6-diethylan iline, one of alachlor's major metabolites. fluted DNA from treated an imals was indistinguishable from control DNA. The results show that ne ither alachlor nor its metabolite cause DNA damage as determined by th e number of single strand breaks.