Mikronukleustestit

Mikronukleustestit, also known as micronucleus tests, are biological assays used to assess the genotoxic potential of chemicals or environmental agents. These tests are based on the observation that micronuclei, which are small, circular structures of chromosomal material, can be formed in the cytoplasm of cells as a result of chromosomal damage. The micronucleus test is commonly used in in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the clastogenic and aneugenic properties of substances.

In the in vitro micronucleus test, cells from various tissues, such as peripheral blood lymphocytes or bone marrow cells, are exposed to the test substance. After exposure, the cells are cultured, and the presence of micronuclei is assessed using microscopic examination. The frequency of micronuclei in treated cells is compared to that in control cells to determine the genotoxic potential of the substance.

In the in vivo micronucleus test, animals, typically mice or rats, are exposed to the test substance, and their bone marrow cells are analyzed for the presence of micronuclei. This test is useful for evaluating the genotoxic effects of substances in a whole-animal model.

The micronucleus test is widely used in regulatory toxicology and environmental monitoring due to its sensitivity, reproducibility, and relatively low cost. It provides valuable information on the potential genotoxic effects of chemicals, which is crucial for assessing their safety and risk to human health and the environment.