Induction of sister chromatid exchanges by hydroxylamine, hydrazine and isoniazid and their inhibition by cysteine.

Experiments were performed in order to gain information about the primary process leading to the production of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs). Radical-forming substances (hydroxylamine, hydrazine and the antituberculous drug isoniazid) were examined for their effectiveness in inducing SCEs. All three substances proved successful in the induction of SCEs in the V-79 cell line of the Chinese hamster. By simultaneous application of a sulfhydryl compound (cysteine), a reduction of the hydrazine- and isoniazid-induced SCEs was achieved. Isoniazid was additionally examined in the in vivo SCE-test. At concentrations of 2-100 mg/kg body weight, it does not increase the rate of SCEs in the bone marrow of the Chinese hamster.