Abstract
Objective: To assess the genotoxic effects of Doxycycline in mice by the comet assay
Methods: The genotoxicity of doxycycline was evaluated in blood and five mice organs (liver, kidney, lungs, spleen and heart) by a novel, sensitive and very rapid technique "the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay". Three level of the doxycycline drug doses 40mg, 80mg and 160mg per Kg of body weight was given percutaniously. Blood samples were collected after 3 hours of treatment; the mice were dissected to collect different organs. Nitrosineguanosine was used as positive control while non-treated group was negative control.
Results: The analysis showed that DNA damage was dose dependent. The statistical analysis showed that doxycycline is acutely genotoxic at higher concentration.
Conclusion: The specified drug should not be taken in higher doses for long periods and further studies should be done to access the genotoxic effect. (Rawal Med J 2005;30:85-87).
Key words: Doxycycline, genotoxicity, comet assay
