Chemical mutation in human lymphoblasts.

We have developed a facile and reliable assay for mutation by chemicals and other mutagenic agents induced in the hgprt locus of diploid human lymphoblasts. We discuss here the detailed protocol and summarize the experiments, reported elsewhere, in which we tested the method for possible systemic bias. The concentration dependence of mutation for methylnitronitrosoguanidine, methylnitrosourea, ICR-191, and bromodeoxyuridine are also summarized to demonstrate the responsiveness of the new system to alkylating agents, an intercalating agent, and a base analog, respectively.