| Abstract: | The genotoxic activity of 11 mycotoxins was investigated in Escherichia coli K12. The induction of the SOS function s fi A whose level of expression is monitored by means of a s fi A :: lac Z operon fusion was assayed by measuring the β-galactosidase activity in the PQ 37 strain. Most of these fungal metabolites did not induce SOS response in this bacterial test. Only aflatoxicol, a reduced metabolite of aflatoxin B1, was well detected as an SOS inducer if metabolic activation was performed. Patulin, penicillic acid, and viomellein were only weak inducing agents. The other fungal compounds tested failed to demonstrate a positive SOS inducing activity. The relationship between the SOS Chromotest, mutagenicity to Salmonella typhimurium, and in vivo carcinogenicity was discussed. |
