Induction of micronuclei in bone marrow and sperm head abnormalities after combined exposure of mice to low doses of X-rays and acrylamide

People come into contact with chemical and physical agents which are present in the environment and in workplaces. We investigated the effects of combined exposures to low doses of X-rays (0.05-0.25 Gy) and acrylamide (AA; 75 mg/kg bw) in the somatic and germ cells of outbred male mice by using a bone-marrow micronucleus test and a sperm morphology test. Combined treatment of germ cells to 0.25 Gy of X-rays + 75 mg/kg bw of acrylamide enhanced the effect induced by each agent given alone. The results confirmed the sensitivity to damage of spermatozoa and late spermatids, which can be demonstrated by sperm head abnormalities and reduced fertility. The sensitivity of somatic cells to acrylamide alone was similar to that of germ cells. Combined exposure to 0.05 Gy + 75 mg/kg bw of AA induced micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes of bone marrow although each dose did not produce a mutagenic effect. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 20:133-140, 2000.