Methylene blue regulates spontaneous mutation process in somatic cells of C57BL/6 mice

The search and testing of compounds with antioxidant, antimutagenic, antitumor activity, low toxicity, efficacy and low cost is actual task. One of the substances that meet these requirements is methylene blue. It is used as antiseptic, antidote for poisoning with cyanides, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, neuroprotective agent, photosensitizer, antioxidant, regulator of enzyme activity. The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of methylene blue on the frequency of occurrence of micronuclei in erythrocytes of blood of mice using a micronucleus test. The use of methylene blue contributed to decrease in the level of spontaneous mutagenesis in erythrocyte cells in mice: in the control group, the incidence of micronuclei was 4.78 ± 0.58 ‰, oral administration of methylene blue at a dose of 15 mg/kg for 60 days led to the decrease of the study parameter up to 2.99 ± 0.34 ‰. The antimutagenic effect of methylene blue is obviously based on its ability to bind free radicals and protect the genetic material of cells from damage. The detection of mechanisms of action and dose-dependent effects of methylene blue requires additional studies.