COMBINED EFFECTS OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM AND ORGANOMERCURIAL IN MICE

The simultaneous administration of potassium bichromate and O-hydroxym ercuribenzoic acid anhydride (organomercurial) in female ICR mice was studied. The chemicals were injected intraperitoneally 24 hours before sacrifice and micronuclei frequencies in bone marrow and transaminase activities in the liver were examined. The results of micronucleus te st confirmed that in the case of combined exposure to hexavalent chrom ium and organomercurial a synergic action on micronuclei frequency in polychromatic erythrocytes of bone marrow was involved. The transamina ses were elevated only after bichromate application. Combined applicat ion of both studied compounds did not elevate the activity anymore. Th e results draw attention to the possible additive genotoxic hazard of combined exposure to hexavalent chromium and organomercurial.