Evaluation of DNA damage and cytotoxicity induced by triazole fungicide in cultured bovine lymphocytes

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of triazole fungicide Prosaro® (tebuconazole/prothioconazole) on the induction of micronuclei (MNs) and DNA damage in bovine peripheral lymphocytes. Whole blood cultures or isolated lymphocytes were exposed to 1.5, 3, 7.5, 15 and 30 μg ml−1 concentrations of triazole formulation for 24 and 48 h, or 2 h for MN and Comet assays. For 24 and 48 h of incubation with the fungicide no significant elevations in the MN frequencies in bovine lymphocytes were found. However, a clear reduction of cytochalasin-blocked proliferation index (CBPI) was observed in the donors (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001). After the prolonged time of exposure the highest concentrations resulted in nearly total inhibition of cell proliferation (30 μg ml−1). After the use of Comet assay, only a moderate increase in DNA damage without statistical significance was recorded, except the highest concentration (30 μg ml−1; p < 0.05).