Analysis of the genotoxic activity of four N-nitroso compounds by the Drosophila mosaic test.

Mutagenic activity of 4 nitroso compounds of environmental importance - N-nitroso-morpholine, dinitrosopiperazine, N,N'-dinitroso-pyridinol-carbamate and N-methyl-N-nitroso-p-toluenesulfonamide - was tested by the Drosophila mosaic test. Larvae were fed with the nitroso-compound-containing food for 2-4 days, and when they had developed into adults, their wings were screened for mosaic spots. All 4 compounds were positive. This finding supports the conclusion that the mosaic test - besides other test procedures - may become a tool for identifying mutagens.