Abstract |
The ability of acrylamide to induce sex-linked recessive lethal mutations in post-meiotic germ cells was evaluated in Drosophila melanogaster males (Canton-S wild type stock). Acrylamide was highly toxic at 2500 ppm and above in initial tests and treatment of 100 ppm induced significant sterility. Based on preliminary toxicity and sterility observations, 8-30 hour old males (15/group) were fed acrylamide at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 ppm for 1 day (sterilization occurred with a 72-hour exposure) and then mated at 3-4 days old to 3 virgin 'Basc' females (3-10 days old). After 3 days, males were transferred to sets of 3 new virgin females for 2 days each. No male mortality was observed during treatment, however, 5% male mortality was observed during brooding. Male sterility observed was 0, 29, and 21% for broods 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Acrylamide did not cause a statistically significant increase in the number of lethals relative to the negative controls (sucrose/distilled water). |