Mitotic and meiotic detection of radiation-induced translocations in mouse stem cell spermatogonia using fluorescencein situ hybridization

The efficiency of two methods of detection of translocations induced in mouse stem cell spermatogonia by X-ray doses of 2, 5 and 7 Gy was compared: classical multivalent analysis at diakinesis-metaphase I of meiosis and observation via fluorescencein situ hybridization analysis of mitotic or meiotic stages. Specific DNA libraries for chromosomes 1, 11 and 13 were used. The results obtained indicate that (a) chromosomes 1, 11 and 13 are more involved in multivalent formation than expected on the basis of DNA content and (b) if the mitotic FISH analysis data are corrected for the observed over-representation, the frequencies of induced translocations are similar to those recorded in the classical multivalent studies, suggesting equal scoring efficiencies in both systems.     

Shaping ability of the M4 handpiece and Safety Hedstrom Files in simulated root canals

The aim of this study was to assess the shaping ability of the M4 reciprocating handpiece and Safety Hedstrom files in simulated canals. A total of 40 simulated canals of various angles and positions of curvature were prepared with an M4 handpiece using Safety Hedstrom files oriented with the ground, flattened surface towards the inner aspect of the curve. A standard regimen was adopted throughout. Pre- and post-operative longitudinal images of the canals were taken with a video camera and stored and manipulated in a computer with image analysis software. The presence of canal aberrations and the amount and location of resin material removed as a result of preparation were determined from composite images of superimposed pre- and post-operative views. Preparation time varied significantly (P<0.001) between the canal types; overall, 20° canals were prepared more quickly than 40° canals. Zips and elbows were observed in 16 out of the 40 canals with most (11) being created in 40° specimens. Ledges were found in 19 canals and perforations in only 1. There were no significant differences between canal shapes for these aberrations. Excessive removal of material from the inner aspect of the canal at the curve to create a danger zone was found in 20 canals, but only in those with 40° curves. Significant differences in total canal width between the canal types were seen at the zips (P<0.05), elbows (P<0.05) and danger zones (P<0.001). Transportation at the danger zones varied significantly (P<0.001) between canal types. Under the conditions of this study, the M4 handpiece and Safety Hedstrom files created hour-glass preparations in a substantial proportion of canals. In reality, the Safety Hedstrom file with its one flattened surface was ineffective at reducing removal of material along the inner aspect of canal curves in severely curved specimens and clearly has the potential to create strip perforations in teeth.     

Investigation of aneuploidy induction in mouse oocytes following exposure to vinblastine-sulfate,pyrimethamine, diethylstilbestrol diphosphate,or chloral hydrate

The various causative and mechanistic phenomena associated with aneuploidy induction require considerable investigation to better understand the etiology of chromosome missegregation. We investigated the potential of vinblastine sulfate, pyrimethamine, diethylstilbestrol diphosphate, and chloral hydrate to induce numerical and structural chromosome changes in female mouse germ cells. Superovulated ICR mice were administered the compounds either by intraperitoneal injection or oral gavage, and oocytes were collected and processed for cytogenetic analysis 17 hr later. Vinblastine sulfate, administered i.p., induced a significant increase in the frequency of ovulated Ml oocytes and of hyperploid Mll oocytes compared to controls, but did not increase the frequency of structural aberrations. Pyrimethamine, diethylstilbestrol diphosphate, and chloral hydrate did not increase the frequency of numerical or structural chromosome changes in female mouse germ cells. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

142例先天性智能发育不全患儿的遗传学研究

应用细胞遗传学和皮纹分析方法对142例先天性智能发育不全患儿进行了研究。其中,120例正常核型,22例异常核型。异常核型46,XY,t(1;3;21)(1pter→1q32.1∶∶21p11.2→21qter;3 qter→3p26.2∶∶1 q32.1→1 qter)和45,X/45,X,-22,+der(22)t(Y;22)(22qter→22p11.1∶∶Yq11.1→Yq11.2)两种核型国内尚未见报道。皮纹分析结果表明56.7%的患者有1项以上异常皮纹;染色体异常患者均有2项以上异常皮纹;先天愚型患者有“特定”的皮纹改变。     

Genetic toxicology testing of Di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate

Di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) is a commercially produced chemical (Kodaflex® DOTP) that is used as a general purpose, low-volatility plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride and other polymeric materials. Less than 30 million kilograms of DEHT are produced annually. DEHT is isomeric with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a nongenotoxic rodent carcinogen whose mode of action has been suggested to derive from its ability to produce hepatocellular proliferation and/or hepatic peroxisome proliferation. Thus it is important to know the behavior of DEHT in genotoxicity assays in order to compare it with that of DEHP and other phthalate ester plasticizers. It is known from previously published studies that rats fed DEHT in the diet at 2,000 mg/kg produce urine that is negative in the Ames Salmonella bacterial mutagenicity assay in the presence and absence of induced rat liver S-9 and in the presence and obsence of β-glucuronidase/aryl sulfatase. Reported here are the results of direct testing of DEHT in the Ames plate incorporation assay, the Chinese hamster ovary/hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (CHO/HGPRT) in vitro mammalian cell mutagenicity assay, and an in vitro chromosome aberrations assay using CHO cells. The results for mono(ethylhexyl) terephthalate (MEHT), a metabolite of DEHT, in the Ames Salmonella bacterial mutagenicity assay are also presented. All test results for both DEHT and MEHT were found to be negative, and it is therefore concluded that DEHT, like its isomeric relative DEHP, is not genotoxic. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Clastogenic effect of fenfluramine in mice bone marrow cells in vivo

Fenfluramine, an amphetamine derivative used in the treatment of obesity, has been evaluated in vivo in the bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice using two cytogenetic endpoints for assessing its genotoxic and clastogenic potentials. Concentrations of 0.75, 1.5, 3.0, and 5.0 mg/kg b.w. were administered orally for the study of sister chromatid exchange frequencies and chromosome aberrations (CA). SCE frequencies showed a positive dose response; 1.5 mg/kg being the minimum effective concentration. Fen caused a prolongation of cell cycle at all concentrations. Except for the minimum therapeutic dose (0.75 mg), all other doses (1.5, 3.0, and 5.0 mg) showed a significant increase in the percentage of damaged cells over that of the vehicle control. The degree of clastogenicity was directly proportional to the dosage used and inversely related with the duration of treatment. A gradual reduction of the clastogenic potential was observed after 12 and 24 hr of exposure, indicating that the maximum effect occurs at the middle or late synthetic phase of the cell cycle. This study, probably the first detailed screening of the drug for its genotoxicity, shows that Fen is moderately clastogenic and a DNA damaging agent in vivo.     

Establishment and Characterization of Cell Lines from Human Adenovirus Type 12-induced Murine Tumors Producing Endogenous Virus Particles

Two cell lines designated IC KMS and D KMS were established from human adenovirus type 12 induced tumors of C3Hf/OK mouse. The cell lines retained the characteristics of the original tumor i.e., production of numerous C type and intracisternal A-type particles, integration of Adl2 El region DNA and amplification of the myc gene family. Chromosomal analysis revealed chromosome aberrations in both IC KMS and D KMS cells. The modal chromosome number of IC KMS cells was 54 and that of D-KMS cells was 48. Metacentric chromosomes and mini-chromosomes were found. Trisomy of chromosome 3, 7 and 12 was seen frequently in D KMS cells. Although DNA aneuploidy was revealed by flow cytometry, the DNA indices of these cells showed no relation to the copy number of integrated Adl2 DNA. These cells have been propagated by serial culture during the past 17 months. Production of endogenous virus particles is a unique characteristic of IC KMS and D KMS cells. These cell lines would be useful materials for examining the contribution of Adl2 carcinogenesis to activation of endogenous virus particles, and also the correlation between Adl2 carcinogenesis and cancer related genes. Acta Pathol Jpn 42: 242-248, 1992.     

The frequency of chromosome anomalies in human preimplantation embryos after in-vitro fertilization

Previous studies have reported chromosome aberrations in humanpre-embryos after in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Although thereason for these abnormalities is not clear, there is evidencethat they can arise during gametogenesis, fertilization or cleavage.The present study has examined further the incidence of chromosomeabnormalities in human pre-embryos after IVF, using oocytesrecovered from normal volunteer women and from women undergoinginfertility treatment in an embryo-replacement programme. Chromosomepreparations were performed for 75 pre-embryos. Of these 35(47%) gave at least one metaphase in which analysis was possible.The overall incidence of abnormal pre-embryos was 40% (14/35).The absolute frequency of aberrations was 9% for trisomies,3% for polyploidies, 26% for structural anomalies and 3% forhypodiploidies. Five pre-embryos were found to be mosaics, threeof which had each one trisomic metaphase. In five of the pre-embryosmultiple anomalies were found. In 13 of the 14 abnormal pre-embryosthe aberrations were found in only one metaphase. The presentstudy demonstrates that trisomic mosaicism may not be a rareevent in human pre-embryos. Further evidence is provided thatmitotic non-disjunction is important for the production of aberrationsin human pre-embryos     

Premature ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure (POF) causing hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism occurs in 1% of women. In majority of cases the underlying cause is not identified. The known causes include: (a) Genetic aberrations, which could involve the X chromosome or autosomes. A large number of genes have been screened as candidates for causing POF; however, few clear causal mutations have been identified. (b) Autoimmune ovarian damage, as suggested by the observed association of POF with other autoimmune disorders. Anti-ovarian antibodies are reported in POF by several studies, but their specificity and pathogenic role are questionable. (c) Iatrogenic following surgical, radiotherapeutic or chemotherapeutic interventions as in malignancies. (d) Environmental factors like viral infections and toxins for whom no clear mechanism is known. The diagnosis is based on finding of amenorrhoea before age 40 associated with FSH levels in the menopausal range. Screening for associated autoimmune disorders and karyotyping, particularly in early onset disease, constitute part of the diagnostic work-up. There is no role of ovarian biopsy or ultrasound in making the diagnosis. Management essentially involves hormone replacement and infertility treatment, the only proven means for the latter being assisted conception with donated oocytes. Embryo cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and oocyte cryopreservation hold promise in cases where ovarian failure is foreseeable as in women undergoing cancer treatments.     

Cytogenetic studies of familial and sporadic Alzheimer disease

We present cytogenetic findings in 7 familial and 5 sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and 34 unaffected relatives, spouses, and normal controls. Our study was prompted by reports of increased chromosome abnormalities in patients and family members at risk for AD. Coded peripheral blood chromosome preparations were evaluated for aneuploidy, aberration rates, and banding patterns. Statistical analyses of our results showed no increase in aneuploidy or aberrations in AD patients, their relatives, or normals. Chromosome loss or gain in aneuploid cells was not specific except in two individuals. These two older persons studied, one with AD and one unaffected, were observed to have increased sex chromosome aneuploidy. This finding was attributed to aging and was not considered to be an effect of AD.