The Effects of Chlorine on Cell Cycle and DNA Content of WBC in Mice

Chlorine has been known as a mucus membranes and respiratory tract irritant. This gas can increase free radicals which cause cell damage. The aim of the present study was to measure DNA content and cell cycle in white blood cells after chronic chlorine poisoning. A clinical experimental study was carried out on 80 male mice(40 mice as sample and 40 as control). The first group was affected by chlorine during 3 weeks and then their blood samples were obtained. Cell cycle and DNA content were measured by flowcytometry. The collected data showed that G0G1, G2M, S phase and DNA index changed significantly in two groups. G0G1 phase decreased and G2M and S phase increased(P<0.05). In conclusion chlorine can significantly affect cell cycle and DNA content and seems to act as a mitogen.