Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of exposure to heavy metals (chromium [VI] and thallium [I]) of mice CD-1 strain: micronucleus, apoptosis and cell viability

Abstract

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were evaluated in peripheral blood of mice CD-1 exposed to heavy metals: chromium and thallium (Cr [VI] y Tl [I]). Groups of five animals were treated intraperitoneally with 20 mg/kg of CrO₃ or with 30 mg/kg de Tl₂SO₄. The genetic damage was determined by the kinetic of micronucleus (MN) and apoptosis induction, while the cellular toxicity by the relationship between the polychromatic/normochromatic erythrocytes (EPC/ENC) and cell viability. Evaluations were performed at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after treatment. The results had shown a significant increment in the MN, apoptotic cells and non-viable cells with both treatments. Particularly, the cell and general toxicity was increased in mice exposed to Tl₂SO₄. Based on the results, it can be suggested that the exposition to metal compounds such as Cr (VI) and Tl (I) represent a genetic and cytotoxic risk for the human populations.