Studies on the nature of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects induced by hydralazine.

The nature of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects induced by hydralazine was analyzed taking into account possible protection of cells by catalase, superoxide dismutase and dimethyl sulfoxide. For the experiments designed to evaluate the influence of scavengers on the genotoxicity expressed as the SOS induction factor the E. coli PQ37 strain was used. The cytotoxic effects were investigated in V3 cells cultured in vitro. The genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of hydralazine were suppressed by catalase in a dose-dependent manner but they were enhanced by superoxide dismutase. No protective effect of dimethyl sulfoxide was observed. Our results indicate that H2O2 plays an essential role in the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of hydralazine.