The effect of oxidation of the sulfur atom on the mutagenicity of ethylenethiourea.
Ethylenethiourea is metabolized in mice by oxidation of the sulfur atom to form 2-imidazolin-2-yl sulfenate. Ethylenethiourea itself is a carcinogen, goitrogen, teratogen and a weak bacterial mutagen. The mutagenicities of ethylenethiourea, 2-imidazolin-2-yl sulfenate and their nitroso derivatives were compared in direct bacterial tests and in the host-mediated assay. In all the test systems applied, 2-imidazolin-2-yl sulfenate was less mutagenic than the parent compound.
D005031:Ethylenethiourea / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000378:metabolism*; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D009153:Mutagens; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D012486:Salmonella typhimurium / Q000187:drug effects; D013455:Sulfur / Q000378:metabolism
D007093:Imidazoles; D009153:Mutagens; D005031:Ethylenethiourea; D013455:Sulfur