Inhibition of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced nuclear damage in rat colonic epithelium by chlorophyllin.

Chlorophyllin (CHL) was tested for its effect on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced nuclear aberrations in rat colonic epithelium. Rats were given water containing CHL (1.5 mM) and food ad libitum. After 5 wks on this dietary regimen, the rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of DMH (20 mg DMH base/kg body weight). The rats were sacrificed 18 hours later and their colons were removed. Ten consecutive crypts from the proximal and distal portion of each specimen were scored for nuclear aberrations and the karyorrhectic index (KI) was determined. Rats receiving CHL + DMH had significantly fewer nuclear aberrations (lower KI) in the colonic epithelium than rats given DMH alone. This implies that CHL, a known antimutagen, may have anticarcinogenic properties as well.