Correlation between Erythrocytes Echinocytic Transformation and Micronucleation in Rodents Exposed to Selected Toxicants: A Preliminary Study

The genetic constitution and conformational state of living cells are characteristic of building, homeostasis, decay, and apoptosis. Genetic and morphological alterations of red blood cells (RBCs) may influence their survival and function. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation, if any, between the incidence of micronuclei (MN) formation in erythrocytes and their transformations from dissociates to echinocytes or echinocytosis. Two rodents models were exposed in vivo, at various doses and periods, to three environmental agents, physical (Radio Frequency Radiation, RFR), a phytochemical (plant extracts), and geological (Bentonite Nano-clay Particles, BNPs). Microscopic analysis of blood smears stained with Hematoxylin- Giemsa, compared to erythrocytes from unexposed animals, confirmed that the three environmental agents, after long-time exposure, significantly induced MN and increased percentage micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) as well as the rate of echinocytic transformation. Correlation analysis showed that there were good correlations between erythrocyte micronucleation and echinocytosis. The reason (s) behind this phenomenon is not fully clear at present. We believe that echinocytogenic factors may result in abnormal erythrocytes like echinocytes. The presented data could be an indication that cellular morphological changes may be related to alteration in the genome leading to a common pathway in apoptosis.