Induced mutations in mice and genetic risk assessment in humans

Conference · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:6025079

Selby, P B

In studies on mice, in contrast to studies on humans, it is possible to perform carefully controlled experiments with the exposures one desires. The necessity for having separate mammalian tests for looking at the induction of gene mutations and small deficiencies, and at the induction of chromosomal aberrations, is obvious. Mutagens can differ as to which of these types of damage they are more likely to cause. The reason for focusing attention on the mouse in a discussion of hazard from induced gene mutations and small deficiencies is the existence of techniques in this mammal for readily studying the induction of such genetic effects. Many mutations at the molecular level cause no apparent changes at the gene-product level and many mutations that cause changes at the gene-product level cause no detectable phenotypic changes in heterozygotes. Many dominant mutations that change the phenotype cause no serious handicap. For these reasons, risk estimation for important chemicals must rely heavily on studies on the induction of those germinal mutations in mammals that are easily related to human dominant disorders, such as skeletal and cataract mutations. Molecular or enzyme studies cannot provide definitive answers about risk. The specific-locus method should help greatly in assessing the genetic risks to humans from chemicals. The new sensitive-indicator method should complement it in providing a tool for attacking the question of what treatments induce gene mutations and small deficiencies and for approximating first-generation damage to the skeleton. (ERB)

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 6025079
• Report Number(s): CONF-8010223-1; ON: DE82001439
• Resource Relation: Conference: International symposium on chemical mutagenesis, human population monitoring, and genetic risk assessment, Ottawa, Canada, 14 Oct 1980
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
MAN
RISK ASSESSMENT
MICE
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
CHROMOSOMAL ABERRATIONS
GENE MUTATIONS
TOXIC MATERIALS
MUTAGEN SCREENING
MUTAGENESIS
SKELETON
ANIMALS
BODY
MAMMALS
MATERIALS
MUTATIONS
ORGANS
PRIMATES
RODENTS
SCREENING
VERTEBRATES
560305* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Vertebrates- (-1987)