[Frequency of sister chromatid exchange in mice treated with gossypol].

To evaluate the possible mutagenic activity of gossypol, -a male contraceptive , which besides has inhibitory action on some parasites growth. Balb-C mouse received intraesophageally 10, 20 and 30 mg/Kg of gossypol to observe the effect of this drug on the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in bone marrow cells. A dose-response relation was not observed, and a small increase in the frequency of SCE was obtained. As it was not the double among the negative control, the gossypol effect must be classified as "undetermined" or "provisionally positive" agent. It is important to make more studies to determinate its possible mutagenic potential on humans.