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.