Berenil-Induced Under Condensation of Mitotic Chromosomes in Sarcophaga (Diptera)
ABSTRACT
Berenil (diminazene aceturate), an AT-specific DNA-binding drug, has been widely used in cytogenetic studies to investigate chromatin organization and stability. This study evaluates the genotoxic effects of Berenil on mitotic chromosomes in the dipteran fly Sarcophaga, with a focus on chromatin condensation patterns. Larval brain ganglia were treated with Berenil, and mitotic spreads were prepared using standard squashing techniques. Cytological analysis revealed a dose-dependent increase in undercondensation, particularly in heterochromatic regions. At 30 µM of Berenil, metaphase spreads exhibited visible undercondensation, compared to controls. These findings suggest that Berenil disrupts chromatin integrity by targeting AT-rich regions, with heterochromatin being especially susceptible. This study provides insights into the utility of Berenil as a probe for assessing chromatin dynamics and highlights the vulnerability of heterochromatin to DNA-binding genotoxicants.
KEYWORDS: Berenil, Sarcophaga, Heterochromatin, Chromosome, Condensation, Cytogenetics
