Inhibitors of N-nitroso compounds-induced mutagenicity.

N-Nitroso compounds are environmental mutagens that are present in the air, water, soil etc. or can be formed by nitrosation of various nitrosatable compounds. The present paper gives a survey of inhibitors of N-nitroso compounds-induced mutagenicity. Inhibitors covered include: thiols, metals, vitamins, phenolic acids, complex mixtures of plant, animal and human origin, organic solvents, inhibitors of mixed-function oxidases etc. Data on inhibitors that prevent the formation of N-nitroso compounds are not covered in this review.