Induction of sister chromatid exchanges by ergot compounds in Chinese hamster ovary cells in vitro.

Five ergot alkaloids, d-lysergic acid derivatives, were tested for the induction of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. The concentrations of the test substances ranged between 10(-5) and 10(-8) M. Ergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine induced a significantly high number of SCEs at all the concentrations used, while with ergocristine this occurred only at the highest concentration. alpha-Ergocryptine failed to induce SCEs at any concentration. It is therefore surmised that ergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine are effective inducers, ergocristine is a weak inducer, and alpha-ergocryptine is a noninducer in Chinese hamster ovary cells in vitro.