In Vivo Cytogenetic Effects of Metamizole on Germ Cells of Mice

SUMMARY

Swiss albino male mice were orally administered with metamizole, an analgesic and antipyretic agent, in single and multiple doses of 3.9, 7.8 and 15.6 mg in 0.5 ml quantities. Cytogenetic effects were studied at diakinesis-metaphase I of meiosis. A very low frequency of unidentifiable fragments, rare occurrence of multivalents and failure of normal bivalent formation were observed. Sex chromosomal univalents were more frequent than autosomal univalents. Spermatocytes and A type spermatogonia appear to be the most sensitive stages. Extremely mild clastogenic and weak c-mitotic action may be attributed to the drug, the degree of action apparently being greater for multiple doses.