Chromosomal aberrations were evaluated in cultures of human peripheral lymp
hocytes from eight healthy donors, exposed to the antimicrobial enrofloxaci
n (EFX) or to its major metabolite ciprofloxacin (CFX). In both treatments
cultures revealed an increase in the chromosomal aberration level, detected
as chromatid and chromosome breaks and gaps. Control cultures analysis rev
ealed 3.6 +/- 0.6 chromosomal aberrations per 100 cells while treated cultu
res exhibited 8.3 +/- 0.8 and 9.6 +/- 1.2 aberrations at 5 and 50 mu g/ml o
f EFX respectively. In CFX treated cultures it was found 5.6 +/- 1.3 and 7.
7 +/- 3.5 aberrations/100 cells at 5 and 25 mu g/ml antimicrobial concentra
tion. These results suggested a genotoxic effect of EFX and CFX in the syst
em used (P < 0.001). A reduction in the mitotic index and fuzzy metaphases
were observed at 50 mu g/ml of CFX, indicating a cytotoxic effect produced
by this antimicrobial. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights re
served.