Evaluation of the mutagenic potential of mycotoxins using Salmonella typhimurium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The mutagenic effects of fiteen mycotoxins on Salmonella typhimurium strains TA1535, TA1537 and TA1538 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain D-3 were tested. Only aflatoxin B1 and sterigmatocystin were mutagenic. Both were active against S. typhimurium strain TA1538 and S. cerevisiae strain D-3; however, both required activation by the hepatic S-9 enzyme preparation. A positive correlation between the other mycotoxins reported to be carcinogenic and the two in vitro test systems employed was not demonstrated in our hands.