2-Chlorobenzylidene malonitrile (CS) causes spindle disturbances in V79 Chinese hamster cells.
Exposure of V79 Chinese hamster cells to 2-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile (CS), a chemical used as a sensory irritant for riot control, caused a concentration-dependent increase in the incidence of spindle disturbances. A C-mitotic effect with the appearance of C-metaphases, a metaphase block and the concomitant disappearance of ana-telophase figures were observed after a 3-h treatment. The results indicate that CS might induce aneuploidy in mammalian cells by interacting with the mitotic apparatus.