Comparative activity of 4,4'-diaminobiphenyl (benzidine) and its terphenyl analogue, 4,4'-diaminoterphenyl, in two in vitro assays for potential carcinogenicity

The carcinogen 4,4'-diaminobiphenyl (benzidine) has been compared in vitro with its terphenyl analogue 4,4'-diaminoterphenyl using the Salmonella reverse mutation assay and the BHK cell-transformation assay. The responses observed, taken together with a consideration of chemical structures, indicate that the terphenyl compound is a potential carcinogen. These findings may contribute to an understanding of the mechanism of action of benzidine as a carcinogen.