Detection by alkaline elution of rat liver DNA damage induced by simultaneous subacute administration of nitrite and aminopyrine

Abstract

DNA fragmentation induced in the livers of rats by oral treatment with NaNO2 and aminopyrine [potential carcinogens] was evaluated by the alkaline elution technique. Whereas simultaneous administration of the 2 compounds in a single dose produced only a minimal increase of the DNA elution rate, their intake with drinking water for 20 successive days caused DNA fragmentation comparable to that observed after a single i.p. injection of 10-20 mg/kg N-nitrosodimethylamine. NaNO2 or aminopyrine alone induced borderline DNA damaging effects, if any, in rats receiving a single dose and those treated for 20 successive days.