The synergistic effect of caffeine with furosemide on human chromosomes in vitro

The first harmful effect of caffeine on genetic material was discovered in 1948. The next thirty-three years have given way to public concern and even anxiety over chromosome damage caused by caffeine. More recently, the late 1960’s, concern has arisen over the synergistic characteristic of caffeine. Furosemide, also known as Lasix, is a diuretic and is the drug of choice in treating patients with renal disease. Very little research has been done on the harmful effects furosemide may have on genetic material. This study will investigate the mutagenic potential of caffeine and the mutagenic potential of furosemide. It will also investigate the synergistic effect of caffeine when given with furosemide. Both studies will to done with increasing noses of caffeine and with increasing doses of furosemide. Fifty-six 72-hour chromosome cultures will be set up using fourteen different blood specimens. Four cultures will be made peg- specimen. Specimens numbering one to four will be testing the mutagenic potential of caffeine. Specimens numbering five to eight will be testing the mutagenic potential of furosemide. And, Specimens nine to fourteen will be testing the synergistic effect of caffeine with furosemide. Damage will be assessed by the number of chromosome aberrations, either in the form of gaps or breaks, and the degree of pulverization.Thesis (M.S.