Induction of chromosome aberrations by phenobarbitone in the germ cells of Swiss male mice.

The cytogenetic effects of phenobarbitone were studied in the male germ cells of Swiss mice. The drug was orally administered at 42, 84 and 126 mg/kg body weight dose levels by sub-acute and chronic modes of treatment. In the treated series, the incidence of chromosome aberrations was significant at all dose levels. However, there were no significant differences between sub-acute and chronic treatments in the incidence of chromosome aberrations. The results clearly demonstrate the ability of phenobarbitone to induce chromosome damage in the germ cells of male mice.