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Biomedical subjects

J Herha

Publications and source records attributed to J Herha.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Possible mutagenicity of the psychoactive phenothiazine derivative perazine in vivo and in vitro.

Human lymphocyte cultures from 55 schizophrenic subjects and one manic-depressive subject being treated with the phenothiazine derivative perazine and with other drugs were analyzed with respect to chromosomal damage. The frequency of exchange-type aberrations in these subjects was more than double that in clinically normal control subjects. No correlation was detectable between the aberration frequency and sex, age, smoking and drinking habits, and treatment conditions. It is possible that the elevation of the chromosomal aberration frequency is due to perazine. In vitro studies with perazine and two main metabolites (desmethylperazine and perazine sulfoxide) with human lymphocytes and CHO cells with and without metabolic activation by liver microsomes gave negative results with respect to the induction of sister chromatid exchanges. Possible differences in the metabolism of perazine in vivo and in vitro are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes of alcoholics.

The frequencies of exchange-type aberrations found in peripheral lymphocytes of alcoholics were analysed in relation to age, sex, duration of alcohol dependency, treatment with antabuse and smoking habit. The statistical analyses were performed by the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis 1-way analysis of variance, both at a level of significance of P = 0.05. There was no dependency on age or sex. The chromatid exchange frequencies and the total of all exchanges were positively correlated with the duration of the dependency on alcohol and with smoking habit. Treatment with antabuse did not lead to an additional elevation of the frequency of exchange-type aberrations.

Adolescent↗

Chromosomal aberrations in heavy smokers.

Lymphocyte chromosomes from 20 heavy smokers were analyzed from 48-h whole blood cultures for the frequency of dicentric chromosomes, ring chromosomes, and chromatid translocations. Compared to controls, these exchange type aberrations occurred more frequently in the smokers.

Adult↗

Chromosomal damage by alcohol in vitro and in vivo.

Alcohol has no damaging effects on human chromosomes in vitro. The chromosomes of alcoholics, however, show a significant elevation of aberrations. Alcohol inhibits cellular and cell free RNA synthesis. One possible reason for the mutagenic activity of alcohol in vivo may be an inhibition of cellular repair.

Adult↗

Chromosomal damage in epileptics on monotherapy with carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin.

We analyzed the leukocyte chromosomes of 10 epileptic probands on monotherapy with carbamazepine (CP), of 14 epileptic probands on monotherapy with diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and of 20 clinically normal probands (controls, CO). In the CP and in the DPH group we found a significant elevation of exchange-type aberrations as compared to the CO group. In the CP group we found predominantly chromatid translocations, in the DPH group exclusively dicentric chromosomes.

Adolescent↗

Chromosomal damage in chronic alcohol users.

First in vitro mitoses were analysed from the peripheral leukocytes of 22 chronic alcohol users and of 18 controls. The frequency of exchange aberrations of the chromatid and chromosome type were significantly higher in the alcohol as compared with the control group. The results indicate an indirect or direct mutagenic activity of alcohol in vivo.

Adult↗