Cytogenetic effects of quinalphos in mice.

ABSTRACT

The cytogenetic effect of quinalphos was studied in Swiss albino mice using the micronucleus test, bone marrow and germ cell chromosome assays and sperm morphology assay. Quinalphos at 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight was administered orally to mice. Quinalphos induced micronuclei in the bone-marrow cells of mice and also caused a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations in bone-marrow cells (at 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight dose levels) and in germ cells (at all tested doses). A high incidence of abnormal sperms was also observed in mice treated with quinalphos.