Evaluation of Micronuclei and DNA Damage in B6C3F1 Male Mice Administered 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-Pyridyl)-1-Butanone by Intraperitoneal Injection
Principal Investigators: Jeffrey Davis and Juan Crespo-Barreto
Funding Mechanism: Research Contract
ID number: HHSF223201510034I
Award Date: 7/12/2017
Institution: Integrated Laboratory System
The tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is on FDA’s published list of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in smokeless tobacco products and tobacco product smoke. NNK is a strong lung carcinogen, causing lung tumors in a variety of laboratory animals, including mice. This study will evaluate the gene toxicity potential of NNK in live animals using a micronucleus and comet assay study. Researchers will treat mice with NNK or a positive control chemical and evaluate the animals for genetic toxicity. Researchers will assign five male mice to each one of three experimental groups (NNK, positive control, and negative control) and will administer the respective treatments for three consecutive days. After exposure, they will collect blood and bone marrow cells for micronuclei frequency assessment (chromosomal abnormalities that serve as surrogates for carcinogenic potential) and liver, lung, and bone marrow for DNA damage assessment. Study findings will provide information regarding the genotoxic and chromosomal damage profile of NNK and the carcinogenicity mode of action for NNK.