Effect of β‐carotene on spontaneous and x‐ray‐induced chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells of mice

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Abstract
The effect of β‐carotene on spontaneous and X‐ray‐induced chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells of mice was studied. As a source of β‐carotene, dried Dunaliella bardawil (containing 6% β‐carotene) or oil suspension of Dunaliella β‐carotene was used. In Experiment 1, mice were given a basal diet, a 0.5% Dunaliella diet, or a 4% Dunaliella diet for four weeks. In Experiment 2, mice were given an oil suspension of Dunaliella β‐carotene (300 mg/kg body wt) by gavage for seven days while being fed a fat‐rich diet. After β‐carotene treatment for the indicated time, spontaneous and X‐ray (0.3 Gy, whole‐body)‐induced chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells was evaluated in terms of the percentages of micronucleated reticulocytes in their peripheral blood. The β‐carotene treatment slightly lowered the spontaneous and X‐ray‐induced chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells. Despite the higher doses of β‐carotene, the concentrations of β‐carotene in bone marrow, liver, and serum were much lower than those of vitamin E. In addition, the β‐carotene treatment markedly lowered the concentration of vitamin E in the tissues.