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Petroleum distillates suppress in vitro metabolic activation: higher (S-9) required in the Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity assay

Journal Article · · Environ. Mutagen.; (United States)
To determine if standard conditions used in the Salmonella/mammalian microsome mutagenicity assay could reliably screen complex petroleum samples, two high-boiling (700-1070/sup 0/F) distillates and their separated aromatic fractions were tested. The initial mutagenic activities were inconsistent with the sample's known polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contents and observed potencies in a dermal carcinogenesis bioassay. A significant mutagenic response was observed only at S-9 concentrations 5 to 10 times higher than those used in the standard assay, supporting the use of elevated levels of S-9 in the Salmonella/microsome assay to assess the carcinogenic potential of petroleum-derived materials. All four samples masked the expected mutagenic activity of added PAHs (benzo(a)pyrene and perylene). Data suggested that petroleum distillates suppress the functional efficacy of the S-9; possible mechanisms are discussed.
Research Organization:
Chevron Environmental Health Center, Inc., Richmond, CA
OSTI ID:
6240502
Journal Information:
Environ. Mutagen.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Mutagen.; (United States) Vol. 7:3; ISSN ENMUD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English