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- Mutagenicity
(Genetic Toxicology)
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Genetic
toxicology is sub specialty of toxicology
which identifies and
analyses the toxicity directed towards
the hereditary components of living
organisms. These tests detects and
access the genetic hazard from agents
that are highly specific for nucleic
acids and are capable of damaging the
genetic material at sub toxic concentrations.
These agents are termed as ‘Genotoxic’.
The battery of the test system includes–
- Ames Salmonella / Microsome Mutagenicity
Test
It is a simple and rapid test used
to identify chemical carcinogens
and mutagens. The test detects these
chemicals
by means of their mutagenicity and
it is about 90% accurate in detecting
carcinogens as mutagens. Special
strains of Salmonella typhimurium are used
for measuring DNA damage and these
are combined with liver homogenates
from rodents.
- In vivo Micronucleus Test in
Mice (MNT)
MNT is being increasingly used
in this field of chemical mutagenesis.
The test serves as a useful indicator
of cytogenetic damage and has
to
date proved to be convenient
and rapid method of screening
chromosomal
damage in vivo in mice.
-
 In vivo Chromosomal Aberration
Test (CA)
Chromosomal aberrations are
due to lesion in DNA which
lead to discontinuities
of the DNA double helix.
Double strand breaks lead
to immediate
fixation
of the aberrations by misrepair.
Depending on the time induction
within the cell cycle, the
types of aberrations
observed at the succeeding
metaphase.
- In vitro chromosomal aberration
test in human lymphocytes
The studies of CA in cultured
lymphocytes offer a good
method for dose estimation
in persons exposed to chemicals
and proved to be useful in
screening
of potentially mutagenic
and
carcinogenic agents.
- Dominant lethal test in mice
Dominant lethal mutation
is a genetic event
that kills the individual which
carries it in a heterozygous
state. Dominant lethal
mutations
are produced
mainly due to induction
of structural and
numerical
chromosomal
abnormalities
induced in the paternal
germ
cell.
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