Genotoxicity assessment of the plasmacytomagenic agent pristane (2.6.10.14-tetramethylpentadecane) and four related alkanes by the SOS chromotest.

The most extensively studied model of plasmacytomagenesis is the induction of plasmacytomas in BALB/c mice by i.p. injections of mineral oil or, chemically more defined, by several branched alkanes such as pristane (2.6.10.14-tetramethylpentadecane), phytane (2.6.10.14-tetramethylhexadecane), and 7-n-hexyloctadecane. The available evidence suggests that the primary biologic action of these plasmacytomagenic agents is to induce the formation of a chronic granulomatous tissue, the histological matrix of plasmacytoma development. However, certain genotoxic effects caused by the presence of these substances can not be ruled out a priori. Pristane, 2-methyldodecane, and 1.3-di-tert-butyl-5-methyl-cyclohexane as well as perhydroanthracene and hexahydrodibenzsuberane were proofed as potential genotoxic agents by the SOS chromotest, a quantitative bacterial colorimetric assay for genotoxins. The substances tested did not express any sign of genotoxicity, but exerted toxic effects to the E. coli tester strain.