SISTER-CHROMATID EXCHANGE INDUCED BY CHROMIUM COMPOUNDS IN HUMAN-LYMPHOCYTES

The objective of this study was to study was to compare chromium (Cr), nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr), and control groups for sister chromatid exch ange (SCE) in lymphocytes to obtain an understanding of the mutagenic effect of Cr(VI) in humans. Subjects totaled 91 persons from the 3 gro ups, including 14 Cr and 34 Ni-Cr electroplating workers and 43 contro l group members. Results showed that blood and urine Cr concentrations were highest among Cr workers (11.39 mu g/l, 14.7 mu g/g creatinine), next highest among Ni-Cr workers (5.28 mu g/1, 6.2 mu g/g creatinine) , and lowest among the control group (2.36 mu g/l, NA). After adjustme nt for smoking habits, SCE/cell values were 10.6, 9.4, and 8.3 for Cr workers, Ni-Cr workers, and controls, respectively. A synergetic effec t was shown on HFC (high-frequency cells) percentages for Cr workers w ho also smoked. Odds ratios were 31.78 and 3.66 that Cr and Ni-Cr work ers would have higher HFC percentages than the control group, respecti vely. The authors conclude that SCE in lymphocytes is useful for evalu ation of the biological effects of environmental mutagens.