Induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis in suspensions of rat hepatocytes by an environmental toxicant, 3,3'4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene.

Unscheduled DNA synthesis was induced by 3,3'4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene (TCAB)) in freshly isolated suspensions of rat hepatocytes. A dose-dependent response was demonstrated. Hepatocellular DNA was obtained after the chloroform-isoamyl alchohol-phenol extraction of the isolated nuclei. The induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis was measured by the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine in the presence of hydroxyurea as determined by the scintillation counting assay. DNA repair data obtained in this study on benzo[a]pyrene and methyl methanesulfonate are comparable to a previous report using primary cultures of hepatocytes and cesium chloride gradients. Hence, the present method offers promise as a rapid and sensitive screen for chemical carcinogens.