Rapid assay of cytotoxicity using Tetramitus flagellates

A simple test for measuring cytotoxic agents has been developed using the flagellate phenotype of Tetramitus rostratus. The test measures dose-dependent inhibition of cell division by individual agents such as 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide and other mutagens. Dose-response data are given also for mixtures including coal tar pitch condensate, centrifuged particles obtained from tap water, and water concentrates prepared with XAD-2 resin. Because Tetramitus flagellates have a gullet and are particle-feeders, the assay allows for cytotoxic measurements of whole particles without prior extraction or solvent substitution procedures. The cytotoxic activities observed may reflect genotoxic activity, since all chemicals that produced a positive response are genotoxic in other test systems.