[Histonet] Xylene Substitutes

[Robert Schoonhoven]

Jeff,

If you were a male rat, not of the NBR strain as as you wouldn't have 
the alpha 2u globulin (a-2uG) producing gene, you could develop kidney 
cancer as  d-limonene reversably binds to a-2uG and causes a variety of 
intra and extra cellular changes which will eventually lead to kidney 
carcinogenesis.   No other organs are involved, female rats are not 
affected, neither are mice although the males produce a close analog. 
Humans do not and are thus not affected.

That said ....I am one of those that the smell of d-limonene makes 
nauseous.  Many of the early studies were performed by my boss
Dr. James A Swenberg and lately (last 10 years) by Dr. Swenberg and 
myself (industry reports, EPA & IRAC).  You really don't have a lot to 
worry about cancer wise but the smell certainly affects some people more 
than others.

Not in my office so the exact reff's are not at hand.

Robert Schoonhoven



Jeffrey Thompson wrote:

> Hello Histonetters,
> 
> This may be an old, tired, and oft asked question, but what ARE the
> health risks of the d-limonene containing xylene alternatives? The
> butylated hydroxyanisole in Fisher's CitriSolv is a carcinogen 'suspect'
> and there are many MSDS mentions of the possible allergen status of
> d-limonene.  Many also are the stories of headaches caused by the stuff.
> Biodegradable qualities notwithstanding, I personally don't think these
> products are as 'mother's milk' safe as some seem to think (I don't
> think they should be poured down the sink for instance). As a group who
> may use these products more and in a greater volume than any other, I'd
> like to hear what the histology community thinks about use, handling,
> and disposal regardless of what the various MSDS's have to say. Thanks,
> 
> Jeff
> 
> Jeffrey F. Thompson
> Associate Scientist
> University of New Mexico
> Health Sciences Center
> Department of Neurology
> BRF Room 136
> 915 Camino de Salud NE
> Albuquerque, NM 87131 
> USA
> 
> jefthompson <@t> salud.unm.edu
> 
> Phone: (505) 272-8010
> FAX: (505) 272-0607
> 
> 
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