Treatment and sampling protocols for transgenic mutation assays.
The standard protocol for testing chemicals with the transgenic mutation assays in vivo includes a period of time between treatment and sampling to permit the mutation frequency to reach a maximum. Recent evidence has shown, however, that for some chemicals the mutant frequency can decline substantially during this period, which would reduce the sensitivity of the assay. Here we discuss alternate protocols to maintain the sensitivity of the assay for both types of mutagens and, in particular, propose that treatments should continue until the time of sampling.
Heddle
John A
JA
Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada. jheddle@yorku.ca
Martus
Hans-Joerg
HJ
Douglas
George R
GR
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D051379:Mice; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009154:Mutation; D013997:Time Factors; D036401:Toxicity Tests, Chronic / Q000379:methods; D019076:Transgenes