Micronucleus assays in rodent tissues other than bone marrow.

This report updates previous reviews that were conducted as part of the third and fourth International Workshops on Genetic Toxicology Testing of micronucleus (MN) assays in rodent tissues other than bone marrow. Tissues discussed here are liver, lung, skin, colon, spleen, testes and foetal/neonatal tissues with transplacental exposure. Previous reviews have been updated to include literature published after 2000. In addition to the previously described tissues, MN assays in bladder, buccal mucosal cells, stomach and vagina are also included. MN assays using tissues other than bone marrow are critical for risk assessments, for in situ evaluation and for studies of systemic genotoxic effects and modes of action. Protocols for the majority of assays in tissues other than bone marrow have not yet been well standardised and validated for regulatory application, and further development is needed to support regulatory studies.