The micronucleus assay with mouse peripheral blood reticulocytes using acridine orange-coated slides with triethylenemelamine.

A micronucleus assay using mouse peripheral blood and supravital staining with acridine orange (AO) was validated by two laboratories on triethylenemelamine-treated mice. Dose- and time-dependent increases in micronucleated peripheral reticulocytes were observed. This new method can be used as an alternative to the conventional bone marrow micronucleus assay.