Chromosomal Aberrations Induced by Methyl Parathion in Human Peripheral Lymphocytes of Alcoholics and Smokers

Abstract

1 Two different concentrations (0.08 and 0.16 μg ml^-1) of methyl parathion (MP), a broad-spectrum insecticide, were tested on peripheral lymphocytes of healthy non-smoking non-alcoholics (CN), chronic smokers (SM) and alcoholics with smoking habit (ALSM).

2 SM and ALSM revealed a significant increase in chromosome aberration frequencies in peripheral lymphocytes compared to the CN group.

3 MP did not induce chromosomal aberrations in vitro in the CN group at either of the concentrations tested.

4 In SM and ALSM , MP induced a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations in vitro in peripheral lymphocytes at a concentration of 0.16 μg ml^-1.

5 The results indicate that the damage induced by MP in peripheral lymphocytes is potentiated by smoking and alcohol intake.

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