Damage effect of benzene on DNA and RNA of lymphocytes in mice in vivo

  Objective   To explore the effect of exposure of benzene on DNA and RNA damage of lymphocytes in mice.

  Methods   The single cell gel electrophoresis(SCGE)assay and the assay of radioactive compounds(³H-thymidine and ¹⁴C-U ridine)incor poration were used to detect the effect on DNA and RNA damage of peripheral blood, spleen and thymic lymphocytes in mice were intraperitoneally injected with benzene at various doses.

  Results   Except for the 100 mg/kg dose, the rate of cells DNA with tail and the mean values of DNA tail length of peripheral blood lymphoeytes by exposure to benzene in mice were significantly higher than that of the control group, the³H-thymidine and ¹⁴C-U ridin incorporation disin-tegrations per minute(dpm)of DNA and RNA by exposure to benzene in mice were significantly lower than that of the control group.

  Conclusion   Benzene could cause DNA damage of peripheral blood lymphoeytes and significantly affect DNA and RNA synthesis of spleen and thymiclymphocytes in mice.