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Induction of chromosomal aberrations by the fuel additive methylcyclopentadienyl-manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Journal Article · · Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis
OSTI ID:115114
Methylcyclopentadienyl-manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) is a fuel additive used throughout Canada as replacement for lead-based antiknock compounds in gasoline and as an anti-smoking compound in other fuels. Because of the widespread use of MMT in Canadian gasoline, it is important to determine whether MMT is a safe alternative to alkyllead as a fuel additive. Although environmental exposure to MMT is unlikely because it is almost completely consumed during combustion and any MMT exhaust emissions would be degraded rapidly, human contact can occur occupationally through accidental exposure, or incidentally while refuelling gasoline-powered engines. In order to determine the intrinsic mutagenicity of MMT, an in vitro chromosomal aberration assay was performed using Chinese hamster ovary cells. In the presence of metabolic activation, MMT was a potent inducer of structural chromosomal aberrations. There was significant (p{le}0.0114), reproducible increase in chromosomal aberrations at concentrations as low as 0.02 {mu}l/ml (0.12 mM). Without metabolic activation, MMT failed to induce a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations following either a 3 hr (p = 0.412) or continuous (p = 0.178) exposure. In order to determine whether the intrinsic mutagenicity identified in vitro is expressed in vivo, a mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay will be performed. In addition, the mutagenicity of MMT combustion byproducts will be evaluated.
OSTI ID:
115114
Report Number(s):
CONF-9503160--
Journal Information:
Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis, Journal Name: Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis Journal Issue: Suppl.25 Vol. 25; ISSN 0893-6692; ISSN EMMUEG
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English