The problem of negative results for styrene in the in vitro mutagenesis test with metabolic activation (microsomal assay):explanation by gas chromatographic analysis.

Mutagenic experiments in vitro were performed on yeast (S. pombe) with styrene with metabolic activation by adding at fixed times fresh mouse microsomes to the incubation mixture. Preceding studies with a single initial addition of microsomes were negative up to the maximal dose of 100 mM styrene for 60 min (5). The addition of fresh microsomes at the times 12, 24, 36 and 48 min in the presence of EDTA 40 mM resulted in an increased toxicity of styrene in vitro, but not in increased mutagenicity. Gas chromatographic determination of styrene oxide in the incubation mixture with 50 mM styrene revealed a concentration of active metabolite not capable of acting mutagenically.