title: Classification of compounds by cluster analysis of Ames test data.
abstract: The dose-response curves for various compounds in the Ames test were analyzed by combining the least-squares method with cluster analysis. The following theoretical equation was employed: m(x) = (B + Sx)exp(-Tx), where m(x) is the number of revertants at the dose of x; B, the background number; S, the mutagenicity rate; and T, the toxicity rate. This equation is derived from a one-hit model modified to take account of the toxicity, and the parameters B, S and T are determined by applying the least-squares method for the fitting between theoretical and experimental dose-response curves with the use of the program package SALS (statistical analysis with least-squares fitting). With the values for B, S and T thus obtained, cluster analysis can clearly separate mutagenic and non-mutagenic compounds. Moreover, when cluster analysis into six groups is carried out, each group has quite characteristic parameter values. Consequently, this procedure is very useful for the classification of compounds according to the nature of the dose-response curve, that is, according to the nature of their mutagenic activity.
mesh_terms: D002273:Carcinogens; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008954:Models, Biological; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D012486:Salmonella typhimurium / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens