Genotoxicity of maleic hydrazide, acridine and DEHP in Allium cepa root cells performed by two different laboratories.

The purpose of this paper was to compare the results of the Allium cepa chromosome aberration assay between two laboratories under the same test protocol and at the same time, use chemicals and onions obtained in their own homeland. For this study three chemicals were selected: di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), maleic hydrazide, and acridine. Both laboratories found genotoxicity with a positive dose-response relationship for maleic hydrazide and acridine. However, for DEHP the results were quite different--one of the laboratories found this compound not genotoxic but the other found a positive response. Although the comparative study was inconclusive for DEHP, it was successful for the maleic hydrazide, acridine and also for the positive control (methyl methanesulfonate). Further studies need to be performed in the case of DEPH.