Genetic damage caused by methylazoxymethanol acetate, the aglycone of cycasin. Analysis of sister-chromatid exchange frequency under in vivo conditions and in cell cultures.

To extend the information on the mutagenic effect of methylazoxymethanol (MAM) acetate, which has been established as a potent carcinogen, the frequency of sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) was determined in bone marrow cells of Sprague Dawley rats and in cultured rat lymphocytes. To get differentially stained chromatids under in vivo conditions, the rats received 5-bromodeoxyuridine adsorbed on activated charcoal intraperitoneally. Chromosomes were stained with fluorescence plus Giemsa. In this study a significant increase of SCE frequency after the application of various concentrations of MAM acetate could be observed both in vivo and in vivo.