Cytogenetic changes in persons exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls]

A cytogenetic study performed in a group of workers exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls comprised analysis of structural chromosomal aberrations in the lymphocytes in the first division in vitro, analysis of micronuclei frequency in binuclear lymphoblasts induced by cytochalasin B and analysis of sister chromatid exchanges. The study included 48 exposed workers and 15 controls. In 16 exposed workers increased incidence of unstable chromosomal aberrations (dicentrics, rings and acentrics) was found, while in 19 no structural chromosomal aberrations could be detected. In 11 workers changes defined as chromosomal and chromatid breaks were noted. This type of change, however, can be evidenced in a non-exposed population as well. In two workers stable chromosomal aberrations were recorded (translocations and inversions). The incidence of micronuclei as well as exchange of sister chromatids were elevated in the exposed group of workers compared to controls.