US EPA

1330197 

Journal Article 

Evaluation of mutagenic effects of formocresol: detection of DNA-protein cross-links and micronucleus in mouse bone marrow 

Ramos, ME; Cavalcanti, BC; Lotufo, LV; de Moraes, MO; Cerqueira, E; Pessoa, C 

2008 

1 

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology
ISSN: 1079-2104
EISSN: 1528-395X 

105 

3 

398-404 

English 

18206398 

10.1016/j.tripleo.2007.08.009 

WOS:000253603600023 

OBJECTIVE: The genotoxic potential of formocresol was assessed by comet assay on human peripheral blood lymphocytes and in vivo micronucleus in mice.

STUDY DESIGN: Peripheral blood lymphocytes, obtained from healthy donors, were exposed directly with different dilutions of formocresol for 45 minutes at 37 degrees C. To verify the possibility of formocresol to induce DNA-protein cross-links, treated lymphocytes were incubated with proteinase K. Micronucleus test was performed on male Swiss mice treated with several dilutions of formocresol by single intraperitoneal injection. After treatment, bone marrow was sampled 24 and 48 hours after formocresol administration.

RESULTS: Formocresol did not produce detectable DNA damage as evaluated by comet assay. However, after proteinase K exposure, a dose-dependent increase of DNA migration was observed. Formocresol induced a significant increase in micronucleus frequencies at the highest dilution only at 24 hours after administration.

CONCLUSION: Formocresol induced DNA-protein cross-links and an increased frequency of micronucleus.