Mutagenicity of Closely Related Carcinogenic and Noncarcinogenic Compounds Using Various Metabolizing Systems and Target Cells

A total of 49 heteropolycyclic compounds belonging to structurally homogenous series was investigated for bacterial mutagenicity in the Ames test. The same batches of compounds were tested for carcinogenicity by injection into subcutaneous tissue of mice? 22 test compounds were carcinogenic, some strongly, others weakly. With the exception of one weak carcinogen, all these compounds were mutagenic. However, 15 of 27 noncarcinogens (56%) were also mutagenic. Moreover, noncarcinogenic, weakly carcinogenic, and strongly carcinogenic mutagens showed very similar mutagenic potencies.