Genotoxic effects of ethyl acrylate and methyl acrylate in the mouse evaluated by the micronucleus test.

The micronucleus test was used to study the mutagenic effects of ethyl acrylate and methyl acrylate. Investigated compounds were administered to Balb C male mice by i.p. injection in two doses, separated by a period of 24 h. Ethyl acrylate at doses of 225-1800 mg/kg, and methyl acrylate at doses of 37.5-300 mg/kg significantly induce chromosome damage resulting in micronuclei formation in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes. Both investigated compounds significantly decrease the ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes. Positive results provide evidence of clastogenic activity of ethyl acrylate and methyl acrylate.