Microsomal activation of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic amines in Drosophila melanogaster

Benzo[a]pyrene, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, 2-acetylaminofluorene, 2-aminoanthracene, and 1-aminopyrene, when fed to adult Drosophila melanogaster males, gave a negative mutagenic response in the X-linked recessive lethal assay. Benzo[a]pyrene was also ineffective in inducing "Minutes". Aflatoxin B1, EMS and DMN gave a positive response which was dependent on the concentration of mutagen fed. Whole fly homogenates prepared from adult Drosophila were assayed for mixed-function oxidase activity in the Salmonella/microsome test. Crude Drosophila microsomes activated 2-acetylaminofluorene, 2-aminofluorene, 2,7-diaminofluorene, 2-aminoanthracene, 1-aminopyrene, and aflatoxin B1. Tests with benzo[a]pyrene, pyrene, 1,2,3,4-dibenz[a]anthracene, and 7-12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene were negative.