Promutagen activation by Vicia faba: an assay based on the induction of sister-chromatid exchanges in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Plant activation of promutagens was studied using Vicia faba S10 (in vitro activation) and the extracts prepared from promutagen-treated roots of Vicia faba (in vivo activation). The induction of sister-chromatid exchanges in Chinese hamster ovary cells was used as an endpoint to evaluate the cytogenetic effects of promutagens activated by Vicia faba. Cyclophosphamide and ethyl alcohol were activated both by Vicia S10 and by the Vicia extracts, and their activation resulted in an increase in SCEs. Benzo[a]pyrene, 2-aminofluorene, and maleic hydrazide were not activated. Aniline was activated, but without effect on the induction of SCEs. The activation capacity in vitro and in vivo of Vicia faba was not very pronounced, except for the activation of ethyl alcohol, when compared with that of rat-liver S9, and showed differences in activation for the 6 chemical agents tested.