Detection of potent mutagens, Trp-P-1 and Trp-P-2, in broiled fish.

The potent mutagens Trp-P-1 (3-amino-1, 4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido-[4,3-b]-indole) and Trp-P-2 (3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole) are known to be produced by pyrolysis of tryptophan [8]. To determine whether such mutagens are produced by cooking foods, the fractions obtained from broiled sardines cooked in the ordinary way were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results showed that 13.3 ng of Trp-P-1 and 13.1 ng of Trp-P-2 were, in fact, present per gram of broiled sardines.