Flow cytometry vs optical microscopy in the evaluation of the genotoxic potential of xenobiotic compounds

Background: It is now recognized that mutational events play a key role in the development of pathological processes like cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, it is crucial to have Genetics Toxicology tests that allow rapid and accurate identification of the mutagenic potential of a xenobiotic. Currently the most widely used technique is the "In vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test" performed by optical microscopy, but some problems have been highlighted, including the number of cells analyzed, the high subjectivity of the reading at the microscope and the long analysis times. Aim: The aim of this work was to develop a study protocol, for the automation of the "In vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test", by flow cytometry (FCM) analysis, to overcome the limits that afflict the optical microscopy. Methods: The study was conducted on peripheral blood lymphocytes treated with three known clastogens and three known aneugens. Results: The results obtained by the proposed FCM technique compared with those obtained through the validated method, demonstrated that the increase of micronuclei percentage is perfectly comparable between the two methods. Conclusions: This fact, in view of results supported by a high number of cells analyzed and obtained by an accurate and objective reading, with a considerable reduction of the analysis time, can support a future request for validation of the micronucleus analysis by FCM.