gamma-L-glutamyl-taurine (Litoralon) prevents the micronucleus formation induced by mitomycin C

We have examined whether gamma-L-glutamyl-taurine (Litoralon) could prevent the genotoxic action of mitomycin C (MMC) in the rat bone marrow cells using the micronucleus test. Litoralon (0.83 mg/kg) administered concurrently with MMC (0.75 mg/kg) did not exhibit any protective action. Pretreatment with a single dose (0.83 mg/kg) of Litoralon 24 h before the administration of MMC (0.75 mg/kg) prevented the micronucleus-inducing effect of MMC. There was no difference between the efficiencies of a single and multiple Litoralon pretreatments. Since Litoralon is known to exhibit vitamin A-like activity and stimulation of poly-ADP-ribose synthesis, it is presumed that either one of these 2 properties separately, or both in conjunction, can be responsible for the inhibition of micronucleus formation.