An evaluation of the DNA damaging effect of selected aniline derivatives using the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis ("comet") assay.

The alkaline (pH > 13) single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay or "comet" assay was used to evaluate for DNA damage induced in bone marrow cells of B6C3F1 mice by four aniline derivatives 2,4-dimethylaniline (2,4-xylidine). 2,4,6-trimethylaniline (mesidine), 2-chloro-4-methylaniline and 4-chloro-N-methylaniline. The study revealed that two of the four compounds studied, i.e. 2,4-dimethylaniline and 2,4,6-trimethylaniline, increased the extent of DNA migration in bone marrow cells of mice. Two others. 2-chloro-4-methylaniline and 4-chloro-N-methylaniline, had no effect on the DNA of the cells in test conditions. The results of this study, in combination with those of other researchers. leads to the conclusion that 2,4-dimethylaniline and 2,4,6-trimethylaniline are genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic.