Application of SOS umu‐test for the detection of genotoxic volatile chemicals and air pollutants

1 January 1987

journal article
research article
Published by Wiley in Environmental Mutagenesis

Vol. 9 (2) , 171-176
https://doi.org/10.1002/em.2860090207

Abstract

The SOS umu‐test has been used for the detection of DNA‐damaging agents. In this system the plasmid pSK1002 carrying a fused gene umuC‐lacZ was introduced into Salmonella typhimurium TA1535. The SOS function induced by genotoxic agents is detected by a colorimetric measurement of β‐galactosidase activity encoded by the lacZ gene, which is regulated by the Umu operon. This system was used with modifications to study the SOS function inducibility of volatile chemicals (propylene oxide, methyl bromide, and ethylene dibromide) and air pollutants (diesel emission, welding fumes, and cigarette smoke). Tester cells were exposed directly to the test material. The enzyme activity of the treated cells was measured according to the established procedure. Results of the study showed that all chemicals and pollutants tested induced SOS function in a dose‐related manner. These results indicate that the SOS Umu‐test is potentially useful for the in situ detection of genotoxic agents in occupational settings.

Keywords

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