Comparative Effects of Chronic Treatment with Certain Metals on Cell Division

Abstract

A total of 18 metallic salts belonging to seven groups of the periodic table have been applied in sublethal chronic doses on plant and animal cells in vivo for their comparative action on cell division. Usually within the members of a particular group inhibition of mitosis and induction of chromosomal abnormahties increased with increasing molecular weight. There was a general direct proportionality with dosage applied and the cytotoxic action, though occasionally there was an increase in very low doses. These effects were more general in nature and could not be specifically attributed to any particular cell component. The amounts of total DNA and RNA showed a general decrease with increased dosage and period of treatment. © 1984, Japan Mendel Society, International Society of Cytology. All rights reserved.