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Toxic effects on mouse bone marrow caused by inhalation of benzene

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Abstract

Male NMRI mice were exposed to benzene in air, concentrations ranging between 1–200 ppm. The following parameters in the bone marrows were examined:

1. number of nucleated cells/tibia, 2. number of colony forming granulopoietic stem cells (CFU-C)/tibia, and 3. frequency of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes.

At continuous exposure as low benzene concentrations as 21 ppm during 4–10 days significantly affected the three parameters. Intermittent exposure (8 h/day, 5 days/week, 2 weeks) also resulted in measurable toxicity, particularly on number of CFU-C/tibia and frequency of micronuclei, at 21 ppm and higher doses. Short peak exposures had very limited effects but did increase the proliferation rate of the bone marrow, i.e., the number of CFU-C/105 cells became elevated.

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Toft, K., Olofsson, T., Tunek, A. et al. Toxic effects on mouse bone marrow caused by inhalation of benzene. Arch Toxicol 51, 295–302 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00317008

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