Chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges in Chinese hamster cells exposed to various chemicals

To evaluate its usefulness for detection of mutagenicity and oncogenicity of chemicals, the frequency of chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) was examined in cultured Chinese hamster cells exposed to 33 kinds of chemical agents, including 2 aromatic hydrocarbons, 7 amine derivatives, 3 phenols, 6 carboxylic acid derivatives, 4 azo compounds, 7 heterocyclic compounds, and 4 other types of agents. Among them, 7 chemicals, including 5 known oncogens (N-n-butyl-N-nitrosourethan, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, beta-propiolacton, methylazoxymethanol acetate, and propane sultone) and 2 non-oncogens (potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate) were inducers of aberrations and/or SCE, although the effective doses for the last two agents were considerably higher. The mutagenic activities estimated by chromosome aberrations were not necessarily the same for a given chemical when estimated by SCE. Slightly to moderately increased rates of SCE or aberrations were noticed among the other 26 chemicals. However, these values were usually without a clear dose relationship.