Chlorophyllin [CHLN] and the mutagenicity of monofunctional alkylating agents in Drosophila: the action of CHLN need not include an influence on metabolic activation.

The effect of chlorophyllin (CHLN) on the mutagenicity of four monofunctional alkylating agents (MFAAs) was evaluated in the wing spot test in Drosophila. Three of the compounds are direct-acting (ethylnitrosamine (ENU), methylnitrosourea (MNU), and methylmethanesulfonate (MMS)) and one indirect-acting (diethylnitrosamine, DEN). Results indicate that the mutagenicity of all four compounds is strongly inhibited by CHLN. The findings are not in agreement with the conclusion of Romert et al. (1992) that CHLN has no effect on the mutagenicity of direct acting MFFAs inferred from their work with MNU and ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS) in the V79 and Salmonella in vitro test systems. The results suggest the possibility that the action of CHLN need not include an inhibiting effect on metabolic activation.