title: The fluctuation test as a more sensitive system for determining induced mutation in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells.
abstract: Luria-Delbrück fluctuation tests for the determination of the spontaneous mutation rate to ouabain resistance incultured L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells gave values in the range 0.44 to 1.03 X 10(-7) mutants per cell per generation. Addition of very low, non-toxic, levels of EMS (0.1 mM) and MMS (0.012 mM) 30-48 h before plating in selective medium gave a highly significant increase in the number of ouabain-resistant mutants. Methods for the calculation of spontaneous and induced mutation rates are discussed and a method for the computation of induced mutation rates is described. It is suggested that the modified fluctuation test is a simpler and considerably more sensitive assay for mutagens than the conventional experimental design. Some of its limitations are discussed.
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005020:Ethyl Methanesulfonate / Q000494:pharmacology; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D008223:Lymphoma; D008741:Methyl Methanesulfonate / Q000494:pharmacology; D009154:Mutation; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental; D010042:Ouabain / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D010042:Ouabain; D005020:Ethyl Methanesulfonate; D008741:Methyl Methanesulfonate