Use of newt larvae for in vivo genotoxicity testing of water: results on 19 compounds evaluated by the micronucleus test.

The micronucleus test using erythrocytes of Pleurodeles waltl larvae (Amphibian, Salamandridae) was used to detect the genotoxic activity of various substances. Most of them were known (or suspected) to be mutagenic or carcinogenic in mammals. Larvae were reared in water containing either a test chemical (experimental group) or in control water and the levels of micronucleated red blood cells (RBCs) compared between the two groups. Aroclor 1254, butylated hydroxyanisole, phenobarbital and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate produced negative results, while acridine orange, benzo[alpha]pyrene, epsilon-caprolactam, cyclophosphamide, diethyl sulphate, epichlorhydrin, ethidium bromide, ethyl methanesulphonate, ethylene dibromide (dibromoethane), N-ethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, hexamethylphosphoramide, 3-methyl cholanthrene, pyrene and o-toluidine gave positive responses. The results were compared with published data from other tests used to detect the clastogenic or mutagenic properties of chemicals. We suggest that the newt micronucleus test could be used to monitor aquatic pollution, and/or for the quality control of drinking water. Pleurodele larvae may also prove to be of value for the detection of carcinogenic/clastogenic substances dissolved in water.