Comparison of Mutagenic and Carcinogenic Properties

Abstract

Because of the broad support of a somatic mutation theory to explain carcinogenesis, a number of short-term mutagenesis assays have been widely applied as prescreens for detecting carcinogens. These assays measure a wide spectrum of genetic damage such as gene mutations, DNA repair synthesis, chromatid or chromosomal abberations, and certain physiological or structural changes. The philosophy of using short-term assays and the merits and limitations of each test system have become topics of scientific investigation and discussion, especially because of the role they play in regulatory policies. The purpose of organizing this volume was an attempt to examine and compare the genotoxic properties of one extensively studied class of compounds, namely, N-nitroso compounds.