Abstract

Background: The micronucleus assay using a tissue rapidly dividing, such as human oral mucosa, allows for assessment of damage of genetic material, without the need for a stage of ex vivo cell replication.

Methods: The present study describes a new protocol for the detection of MN in oral mucosa, replacing methanol and giemsa by triarilmetano, xanthene and thiazine.

Results: The blades were well visible with ungrouped cells, having a good view of the cell boundaries.

Conclusions: Good results were obtained with the substitution of methanol and giemsa by triarilmetano, thiazine and xanthene, because of its efficiency in blush nucleic acid, getting a good visualization of cell nuclei and micronucleus, and this methodology it is indicated for mutagenicity analysis of the oral mucosa.

Keywords: Mutagenicity, oral mucosa and micronucleus