Factors for efficiency of the Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity assay

Factors were studied which modify the enzymatic capacity of mouse liver microsomal mixed-function oxidase to convert vinylidene chloride (1.1-dichloroethylene) (VDC) into mutagens in the Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity test. A microsomal fraction incorporated in soft agar layer converted VDC into mutagens during 7 h at a constant rate; these were detected with S. typhimurium TA100. In absence of VDC the enzymatic activity declined gradually to nil after 14 h of incubation at 37 degrees C. The presence of EDTA greatly enhanced the microsome-mediated mutagenicity of VDC and led to prolonged enzymatic viability, but only when liver fractions from phenobarbitone (PB) pretreated mice were used. The efficiency of the plate incorporation assay for the detection of mutagens is discussed in comparison with assays in liquid suspension.