Chromosomal aberrations induced by methyl parathion in human peripheral lymphocytes of alcoholics and smokers.

1 Two different concentrations (0.08 and 0.16 micrograms ml-1) of methyl parathion (MP), a broad-spectrum insecticide, were tested on peripheral lymphocytes of healthy non-smoking non-alcoholics (CN), chronic smokers (SM) and alcoholics with smoking habit (ALSM). 2 SM and ALSM revealed a significant increase in chromosome aberration frequencies in peripheral lymphocytes compared to the CN group. 3 MP did not induce chromosomal aberrations in vitro in the CN group at either of the concentrations tested. 4 In SM and ALSM, MP induced a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations in vitro in peripheral lymphocytes at a concentration of 0.16 micrograms ml-1. 5 The results indicate that the damage induced by MP in peripheral lymphocytes is potentiated by smoking and alcohol intake.