Clastogenicity to the mouse bone marrow of the mouse germ cell genotoxin streptozotocin.

The methylating agent streptozotocin is active in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay following a single intraperitoneal injection of 150-180 mg/kg. This correlates with its previously reported toxicity to mouse germ cells when administered by the same route of exposure. The potent mutagenicity of streptozotocin to strain G46 of Salmonella typhimurium is compared with its much weaker activity in strain TA1535. The genotoxicity of streptozotocin in vivo is reviewed.