Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the effect of the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) in normal adult male SWR/J mouse bone marrow cells. Animals were subjected to intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of NaAsO2 at various dose levels (1, 0.5 and 0.25 LD5, which corresponds to 9, 4.50 and 2.25 mg kg-1 b. wt.) and killed 24 h later. Another group of male mice were treated with 30 mg kg-1 b. wt. of the synthetic antioxidant and hypermethylizing agent butylated hydroxytoluene 1 h prior to NaAsO2 administration. The three single doses of sodium arsenite significantly (p<0.05) increased the rate of total structural Chromosomal Aberrations (CAs), Sister Chromatid Exchanges (SCEs), micronucleus (MNs) formation, Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Lamina-A degradation and apoptosis compared with the negative control. In the combined treatment with BHT, no significant effect was observed in the rate of CAs or SCEs, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the rate of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) at medium and high doses. The present study has shown that administration of an antioxidant had a negative effect as represented in the rate of CAs, PARP and Lamina-A degradation and apoptosis. On the other hand, the antioxidant had a positive effect as represented in the decreased rate of pulverized chromosomes and MN formation.