Publications by authors named "Catherine Thiffeault"

Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) was evaluated as part of the validation effort for the rat Pig-a mutation assay and compared with other well-established in vivo genotoxicity endpoints. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were given a daily dose of 0, 6.25, 12.

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Previous studies with TK6 cells have shown that extending the recovery period after pulse treatment allows for greater micronucleus expression for some compounds. This study explores the role of cell cycle delay in micronucleus expression after pulse treatment with three model genotoxins [mitomycin C, etoposide (ETOP), vinblastine]. Cells were treated for 4 hr and allowed to recover for 36 hr with samples removed at various time points during the recovery period and analyzed for cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and micronucleus frequency.

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N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) was evaluated as part of the Stage III trial for the rat Pig-a gene mutation assay. Groups of six- to eight-week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) or Fischer 344 (F344) rats were given 28 daily doses of the phosphate buffered saline vehicle, or 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg ENU, and evaluated for a variety of genotoxicity endpoints in peripheral blood, spleen, liver, and colon.

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A collaborative international trial was conducted to evaluate the reproducibility and transferability of an in vivo mutation assay based on the enumeration of CD59-negative rat erythrocytes, a phenotype that is indicative of Pig-a gene mutation. Fourteen laboratories participated in this study, where anti-CD59-PE, SYTO 13 dye, and flow cytometry were used to determine the frequency of CD59-negative erythrocytes (RBC(CD59-)) and CD59-negative reticulocytes (RET(CD59-)). To provide samples with a range of mutant phenotype cell frequencies, male rats were exposed to N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) via oral gavage for three consecutive days (Days 1-3).

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Article Synopsis
  • Recent studies suggest that low doses of DNA-reactive mutagens can cause sublinear dose-response relationships, meaning that lower doses may not impact mutation rates as expected.
  • The Pig-a gene mutation assay was evaluated as a fast method for identifying dose-response relationships in rats exposed to direct alkylating agents, showing estimated threshold doses for mutation induction significantly differing between the agents tested (21.9mg/kg for EMS and 0.88mg/kg for ENU).
  • Findings indicate that the Pig-a assay could be a more practical option for studying direct acting mutagens, while also supporting the idea that fractionated dosing could help explain mechanisms behind sublinear dose-response relationships.
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The in vivo bone marrow (BM) micronucleus assay is one of the three tests in the standard test battery to assess the genotoxic potential of a pharmaceutical candidate. In some cases, depending on results of in vitro studies, the route of administration or the degree of systemic exposure, in vivo assessment of genotoxicity in the BM alone may not be sufficient. Based on the potential for high gut exposures to orally administered compounds with low systemic exposures as well as the potential susceptibility of rapidly dividing cells of the intestinal tissues, we have developed a modified technique for evaluating micronuclei formation in both the duodenum and colon of rats based on earlier publications.

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The in vitro micronucleus assay has been extensively used as an in vitro screening tool to identify test articles that might have aneugenic or clastogenic potential. Currently, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is working towards a final version of the guideline for the conduct of the in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus Test (MNvit). A few questions regarding appropriate cytotoxicity measurements and cytotoxicity limits to use remain to be answered.

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Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Catherine Thiffeault"

  • - Catherine Thiffeault's research primarily focuses on evaluating and validating various in vivo and in vitro genotoxicity assays, particularly the Pig-a mutation assay, to enhance the understanding of genetic toxicity related to chemical exposure.
  • - Her studies involve comparing the efficacy and dose-response relationships of different mutagens, such as ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU), to assess their genetic impact on various biological models, including rats and mammalian cell lines.
  • - Recent findings highlight the importance of alternative testing strategies, such as the rat gut micronucleus assay, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of mutagenic effects, especially for compounds with low systemic exposure but high gut toxicity.