Detection of non-genotoxic carcinogens in the BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation/mutation assay system

Mutagenesis. 1989 Jul;4(4):286-91. doi: 10.1093/mutage/4.4.286.

Abstract

We have employed BALB/c 3T3 cells in a simultaneous cell transformation and mutation assay protocol to see whether both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens can be identified. Three known mutagenic animal carcinogens tested positive for transforming activity: dimethylnitrosamine, methylcholanthrene and methylnitrosourea. In addition, we tested three non-mutagenic compounds--two human carcinogens, benzene and diethylstilbestrol, and the possible human carcinogen dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane; all three displayed transforming activity. These results add to existing data supporting the validity of the BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation system as a reliable short-term in vitro test for carcinogens in general, and for non-genotoxic carcinogens in particular.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogens*
  • Cell Line, Transformed / drug effects
  • Dimethylnitrosamine / toxicity
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Methylnitrosourea / toxicity
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mutagens
  • Mutation*
  • Nitrosomethylurethane / toxicity
  • Rats

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Mutagens
  • Nitrosomethylurethane
  • Methylnitrosourea
  • Dimethylnitrosamine