Mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of 2-butoxyethanol and its metabolite, 2-butoxyacetaldehyde, in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-AS52) cells. 1995

T Chiewchanwit, and W W Au
Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-1110, USA.

2-Methoxyethanol (2-ME) is being substituted by 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE) as a solvent for the preparation of industrial and consumer products. Since we have shown that a metabolite of 2-methoxyethanol, methoxyacetaldehyde (MALD), is mutagenic in a subline of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-AS52), we have conducted a similar study using 2-BE and its metabolite, butoxyacetaldehyde (BALD). The results indicate that 2-BE and BALD are not mutagenic to CHO-AS52 cells. However, 2-BE is more cytotoxic than 2-ME. In comparison of our study with others on glycol ethers, the data indicate that, for glycol ethers, cytotoxicity increased with chain length of the alkyl groups. For their metabolites, mutagenicity increases with reduced chain length. Therefore, we suggest that safer solvents should be developed for use in preparation of products.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009153 Mutagens Chemical agents that increase the rate of genetic mutation by interfering with the function of nucleic acids. A clastogen is a specific mutagen that causes breaks in chromosomes. Clastogen,Clastogens,Genotoxin,Genotoxins,Mutagen
D004305 Dose-Response Relationship, Drug The relationship between the dose of an administered drug and the response of the organism to the drug. Dose Response Relationship, Drug,Dose-Response Relationships, Drug,Drug Dose-Response Relationship,Drug Dose-Response Relationships,Relationship, Drug Dose-Response,Relationships, Drug Dose-Response
D004987 Ethers Organic compounds having two alkyl or aryl groups bonded to an oxygen atom, as in the formula R1–O–R2.
D005026 Ethylene Glycols An ethylene compound with two hydroxy groups (-OH) located on adjacent carbons. They are viscous and colorless liquids. Some are used as anesthetics or hypnotics. However, the class is best known for their use as a coolant or antifreeze. Dihydroxyethanes,Ethanediols,Glycols, Ethylene
D006224 Cricetinae A subfamily in the family MURIDAE, comprising the hamsters. Four of the more common genera are Cricetus, CRICETULUS; MESOCRICETUS; and PHODOPUS. Cricetus,Hamsters,Hamster
D000079 Acetaldehyde A colorless, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of acetic acid, perfumes, and flavors. It is also an intermediate in the metabolism of alcohol. It has a general narcotic action and also causes irritation of mucous membranes. Large doses may cause death from respiratory paralysis. Ethanal
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012997 Solvents Liquids that dissolve other substances (solutes), generally solids, without any change in chemical composition, as, water containing sugar. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed) Solvent
D013329 Structure-Activity Relationship The relationship between the chemical structure of a compound and its biological or pharmacological activity. Compounds are often classed together because they have structural characteristics in common including shape, size, stereochemical arrangement, and distribution of functional groups. Relationship, Structure-Activity,Relationships, Structure-Activity,Structure Activity Relationship,Structure-Activity Relationships
D016466 CHO Cells CELL LINE derived from the ovary of the Chinese hamster, Cricetulus griseus (CRICETULUS). The species is a favorite for cytogenetic studies because of its small chromosome number. The cell line has provided model systems for the study of genetic alterations in cultured mammalian cells. CHO Cell,Cell, CHO,Cells, CHO

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