Spermatocyte chromosome alterations in truncatella subcylindrica (L., 1767) (Mollusca,Mesogastropoda) following exposure to dibutyltin(IV) and tributyltin(IV) chlorides

In order to analyze chromosomes for possible numerical and structural alterations in response to exposure to organotin(IV) compounds, gastropod Truncatella subcylindrica specimens were treated with dibutyltin(IV) and tributyltin(IV) chloride solutions with different exposure times. Experimental evidence suggests that tributyltin(IV) chloride is more toxic to this organism than dibutyltin(IV) dichloride at low concentrations. Furthermore, the toxicity responses to these organotin(IV) derivatives seem to be proportional to both concentration and exposure time. The following structural lesions have been identified by comparative analysis of spermatocyte chromosomes from untreated specimens and specimens treated with organotin(IV) compounds: (1) breakages; (2) bridging; (3) irregular outline; and (4) light areas after staining with acetic orcein. In this respect, dibutyltin(IV) and tributyltin(IV) chlorides seem to have an effect similar to that of colchicine.