Anticlastogens in Mammalian and Human Cells covers research on the protection of chromosomes from the action of chemical mutagens by use of natural and synthetic antimutagens, which, because of their specific action on clastogenic damage are called anticlastogens. Based on an introductory chapter on nature and mode of formation of chromosome aberrations induced by chemical and also physical mutagens, the action of anticlastogens is discussed in detail. A definition and delineation of the term anticlastogenesis is followed by considerations on the various possibilities of classifying anticlastogens. Attention is paid to the action of anticlastogens in mammalian and human cell culture systems, in vivo data on anticlastogens are presented in great detail, as are the actions of anticlastogens on induced sister chromatid exchanges in various test systems. A mainly historical side-glance at the action of anticlastogens on chromosome damage induced by ionizing radiation is taken. The practical consequences of the findings on anticlastogenic action are extensively discussed as aspects of further research.

1 Introduction

2 Principles of Clastogenic Action and Its Estimation
2.1 Molecular Mechanisms of Clastogenic Action
2.2 Induction of Chromosome Aberrations
2.3 Induction of Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE)
2.4 Induction of Micronuclei
2.5 Practical Aspects of Clastogenicity and Its Estimation
3 Anticlastogens: Data and Problems
3.1 Definition and Classification of Anticlastogens
3.2 Anticlastogenic Action on in Vitro Systems
3.3 Anticlastogenic Action in Vivo
3.4 Action of Anticlastogens on Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE)
3.5 A Mainly Historical Side-Glance at Anticlastogens and Ionizing Radiation
4 Practical Consequences
4.1 Practical Consequences in the Field of Anticlastogen Research
4.2 Practical Consequences for Humans
5 Concluding Remarks
References.