Granuloma pouch assay IV. Induction of sister-chromatid exchanges in vivo

SCEs were induced, in vivo, in cells of a rapidly proliferating subcutaneous granulation tissue, initiated by the formation of a subcutaneous air pouch, on the backs of adult male rats (Granuloma Pouch Assay). 2 days after pouch formation the test compounds were applied, and 24 h later the granulation tissue was excised and dissociated into single cells. Isolated cells were cultured in vitro in media containing BrdU, and SCEs were determined within 24–48 h. The spontaneous frequency was 14.4±1.1 per metaphase.Mitomycin C (MMC) and cyclophosphamide (CP) induced a significant and dose-dependent increase in SCE frequencies. Results obtained after i.v., i.p. and intra-pouch application routes are compared.