Clastogenic action of a dimethyl p-benzoquinone of animal origin.

The cytogenetic action of a volatile dimethyl p-benzoquinone found in the natural secretion of an arachnid (Acanthopachylus aculeatus Kirby) was studied in cultured human peripheral leukocytes and in mouse bone-marrow cells. Continuous and pulse treatments carried out in vitro, as well as experiments performed in vivo, induced different chromatid and chromosome aberrations suggesting that this chemical has clastogenic properties. The biology of the animal and the possible role of one of the components of its secretion as a natural mutagenic agent are discussed.