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From Bacteria to Man, the Evolution of Mutagenicity Testing

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The Use of Human Cells for the Evaluation of Risk from Physical and Chemical Agents

Abstract

In a little over a decade the field of toxicology has seen an unprecendented growth in the sub-area known as Genetic Toxicology or Molecular Toxicology. In the early development of this field, a great deal of optimism was generated as a result of identification of mutagen-carcinogenic agents in simple bacterial tester strains. This optimism has slowly given way to a more realistic understanding of the area, and the realization of a need for more complex studies that can be conducted with microorganisms. In recent years, the need to evaluate the effects of chemicals on the complex organization of DNA in mammalian systems, and the necessity of intact animal studies, where pharmacokinetic effects and relevant host metabolic pathways can be taken into account, is generally accepted as a pre-requisite for chemical evaluation. In addition to animal procedures, we now have the unique capability of detecting potential carcinogens in man by a variety of short-term procedures. The unique contribution of this field to the fundamental understanding of the modification of the genetic process by chemicals and its potential for alleviating some of the major afflictions occuring in man, however, remains unchallenged.

“Radiation risk resembles the risk we undergo when involved in automobile traffic: The enhanced rate can be estimated approximately, and adequate precautions are to a certain extent possible. The risk due to chemical mutagens on the other hand, resembles the risk involved in a walk through the jungle at night. Hear a crackling in the underbush, there an unexplained sound may signal unknown hidden dangers”. (Gruneberg et al., 1979).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77550, USA

    Marvin S. Legator & Barbara L. Harper

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  1. Marvin S. Legator
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  2. Barbara L. Harper
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  1. Casaccia Center for Nuclear Studies, Rome, Italy

    Amleto Castellani

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Legator, M.S., Harper, B.L. (1983). From Bacteria to Man, the Evolution of Mutagenicity Testing. In: Castellani, A. (eds) The Use of Human Cells for the Evaluation of Risk from Physical and Chemical Agents. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-1117-2_27

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-1117-2_27

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-1119-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-1117-2

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