This paper describes an indirect method for assessing spindle-inhibiting effects of chemicals by chromosome length measurement, and the use of this technique for evaluation of the spindle-inhibiting effects of metal compounds in human lymphocytes in vitro. This technique could identify the threshold concentration for spindle-inhibition for several metal compounds. Furthermore partial spindle-inhibition, leading to a high risk of abnormal chromosome segregation, which was observed at the threshold concentration. The results indicate that chromosome length measurements offer an indirect, but sensitive, test for evaluation of spindle-inhibition, able to identify the threshold concentration for effects on the spindle, thus allowing direct study of the induction of aneuploidy at the most relevant concentration.
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