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Mutagenic effects of lead (II) bromide
1Medizinische Fakultät, Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Saar, Fed. Rep. of Germany.
Journal of Trace Elements and Electrolytes in Health and Disease
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Lead (II) bromide, a gasoline combustion byproduct, is mutagenic. It caused pigment loss in Serratia marcescens and resistance mutations in E. coli, confirmed by the Ames test.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Microbiology
- Chemical Mutagenesis
Background:
- Lead (II) bromide is a combustion product of gasoline additives like lead (IV) tetraethyl and 1,2-dibromoethane.
- Understanding its mutagenicity is crucial for assessing environmental and health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mutagenic potential of lead (II) bromide using bacterial models.
- To identify specific mutations and phenotypic changes induced by lead (II) bromide.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial mutagenicity assays using various strains of Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli KMBL1851.
- Prodigiosin production in S. marcescens was used as a phenotypic marker.
- Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium strain TA 1535 was performed.
Main Results:
- Lead (II) bromide induced white, non-pigmented mutants in S. marcescens.
- Mutagenicity in E. coli KMBL1851 resulted in rifampicin-resistant mutants and Met+/His+ revertants.
- Positive mutagenicity results were observed in the Ames test (strain TA 1535).
- Some S. marcescens mutants showed reversibility, regaining prodigiosin production.
- Mutants exhibited altered antibiotic sensitivity and biochemical properties compared to wild types.
Conclusions:
- Lead (II) bromide demonstrates mutagenic activity in bacteria.
- The compound induces diverse mutations affecting pigment production and resistance.
- Further research is warranted to understand the genotoxic mechanisms and long-term effects.