The effect of pretreatment with sulfoethylglucan (SEG) on the frequenc
y of micronuclei and the liver alkaline phosphatase activity induced b
y potassium bichromate (Cr(VI)) in mice was evaluated. Simultaneous ap
plication of SEG and Cr(VI) decreased the frequency of micronuclei in
bone marrow cells (P < 0.01) and the level of liver alkaline phosphata
se activity in comparison to the Cr(VI) group. Pretreatment with SEG 2
4 h prior to the first Cr(VI) application resulted in a more pronounce
d decrease in the Cr(VI)-induced frequency of micronuclei. The mechani
sms of the protective effects of sulfoethylglucan could be explained e
ither by the formation of Cr ion complexes with sulfoethyl groups of g
lucan or by the scavenging ability of SEG to trap hydroxyl radicals.