Udk 619:612.018:576.35 Cell Cycle Kinetics and Cytogenetic Changes in Human Lymphocytes Exposed to Oestradiol in Vitro

Metabolic conversion of oestrogen phenolic groups may create conditions of oxidative stress accompanied by damage of cellular macromolecules including DNA. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the cell cycle kinetics and possible cytogenetic changes in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to seven experimental concentrations of 17 -oestradiol (range 10 M to 10 M). Cell cycle kinetics was analysed on metaphase spreads prepared for a standard analysis of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) stained by fluorescent-plus-Giemsa (FPG) technique. Cytogenetic changes were monitored by analysis of chromosome damage (gaps and breaks), structural and numerical aberrations. On the basis of the obtained results it can be concluded that oestradiol has no significant influence on cell cycle kinetics and mitotic index of cultured human lymphocytes. However, at estradiol concentration of 7×10 M, and at higher concentrations used in this experiment, there was a significant increase of gaps, breaks and aneuploidies. On the other hand, oestradiol treatment has not changed the frequency of polyploid cells. Therefore, it can be concluded that high concentrations of oestradiol pose some genetic risk detectable at cytogenetic level.