Flow cytometric analysis of genetic damage, effect on cell cycle progression, and apoptosis by thiophanate-methyl in human lymphocytes

Environ Mol Mutagen. 1999;33(2):173-6. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2280(1999)33:2<173::aid-em10>3.0.co;2-r.

Abstract

Flow cytometric technique was used to study the effects of the fungicide Thiophanate-methyl on cell proliferation, micronucleus induction, and apoptosis in human peripheral blood lymphocytes treated in vitro. In particular, a combined approach of flow cytometry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a pancentromeric alpha-satellite probe was used to evaluate the mechanism of micronucleus induction by Thiophanate-methyl. Flow sorted micronuclei (MN) induced in human lymphocytes by Thiophanate-methyl were analyzed by FISH and the results were compared with results from FISH analysis on MN in binucleated cells. It could be shown that most MN induced by Thiophanate-methyl did not reveal any centromeric signal, thus demonstrating clastogenic action of this fungicide. Moreover, it was found that as a function of the concentration of Thiophanate-methyl, cellular proliferation was delayed and the frequency of apoptotic cells was increased.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • In Situ Nick-End Labeling
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Thiophanate / toxicity*

Substances

  • Thiophanate