Cytogenetic effects in the mouse of 17 chemical mutagens and carcinogens evaluated by the micronucleus test.

2 dialkylnitrosamines, 4 oxazaphosphorines, 6 aryldialkyltriazenes, urethane, N-hydroxyurethane, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide, procarbazine (natulan) and the inorganic carcinogen potassium chromate were studied for cytogenetic activity in the micronucleus test on mouse bone marrow. Except diethylnitrosamine, all chemicals were active. The results are compared with those known from studies in other mammalian and sub-mammalian test systems. The results of the micro nucleus test correlate well with results from other mutagenicity tests and with the carcinogenicity of the chemicals. The lack of an effect on N-nitrosodiethylamine (DENA) is discussed with regard to the short life-time of the ultimate mutagen.