Chromosomal alterations induced in Vicia faba by different industrial solvents: Thinner, toluene, benzene, n-hexane, n-heptane, and ethyl acetate.

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Abstract
Roots of Vicia faba seedlings were treated with different concentrations of thinner and some of its main components (toluene, benzene, n-hexane, n-heptane and ethyl acetate) which induce chromosomal alterations in anaphase cells as subchromatid-type aberrations (subchromatid bridges), chromatid aberrations (single bridges and fragments), chromosome aberrations (double fragments and bridges), chromosomes with inactivated centromere, isochromosomes and multipolar anaphases as well; as well as micronuclei in interphase cells. In each case total aberration frequencies increased with the concentration of the solvent, except for n-heptane which behaved independently of the concentration. C-mitosis was another effect caused by these components. Due to the fact that the solvents used showed a non-delayed effect in relation to the appearance of aberrations and since their induction was in accordance to the phase of the cycle in which the cells were affected, these components can be considered as S-independent agents. On their action upon cell division, it was observed that all the solvents tested had an inhibitory effect demonstrated by the analysis of the mitotic index, except thinner and ethyl acetate which caused stimulation. It seems that the stimulant effect of the thinner is due to the ethyl acetate component.