A comparative study on chromium-induced micronuclei assessment in the peripheral blood of Hsd:ICR mice.

This study investigated the genotoxic effects of chromium (Cr) in Hsd:ICR mice, considering factors such as oxidative state, apoptosis, exposure pathway, duration, pregnancy, and transplacental exposure. Genotoxicity was assessed using the erythrocytes' micronucleus (MN) assay, while apoptosis was evaluated in nucleated blood cells. The results showed that Cr(III) (CrK(SO 4 ) 2 and CrCl 3 ) did not induce any marked genotoxic damage. However, Cr(VI) (CrO 3 , K 2 Cr 2 O 7 , Na 2 Cr 2 O 7 , and K 2 CrO 4 ) produced varying degrees of genotoxicity, with CrO 3 being the most potent. MN frequencies increased following 24-h exposure, with a greater effect in male mice. Administering 20 mg/kg of CrO 3 via gavage did not lead to significant effects compared to intraperitoneal administration. Short-term oral treatment with a daily dose of 8.5 mg/kg for 49 days elevated MN levels only on day 14 after treatment. Pregnant female mice exposed to CrO 3 on day 15 of pregnancy exhibited reduced genotoxic effects compared to nonpregnant animals. However, significant increases in MN levels were found in their fetuses starting 48 h after exposure. In summary, data indicate the potential genotoxic effects of Cr, with Cr(VI) forms inducing higher genotoxicity than Cr(III). These findings indicate that gender, exposure route, and pregnancy status might influence genotoxic responses to Cr.