Problems and pitfalls in assessing human T-lymphocyte mutant frequencies. 1987

T Featherstone, and P D Marshall, and H J Evans

The measurement of 6-thioguanine-resistant frequencies in human T-lymphocytes has been used to quantitate the in vivo HPRT mutant frequency. The data so far indicate a large variability in normal healthy individuals. The reliability with which wells are identified for clonal growth in the assay was investigated using 5 different methods of scoring: visual scoring, uptake of [3H]thymidine (either by cut off point or by statistical analysis), cell count and cytogenetic analysis. None of these methods presented a viable means of scoring the assay. An examination of the statistical precision of the assay under the limitations imposed by the experimental conditions leads to the conclusion that there is a large inherent error associated with the estimated mutant frequencies. Analysis of the T-lymphocyte subpopulations by cell surface monoclonal antibodies also leads us to believe that the observed mutant frequencies may not be representative of the true in vivo mutant frequencies. If the assay is to be used as a sensitive screen for individual or population exposure to possible mutagens, a closer understanding of the biology of the assay is indicated, and a comprehensive reevaluation of the methodology required. The utility of the system for studying qualitative aspects of human mutagenesis is not in doubt.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007041 Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and hypoxanthine, guanine, or MERCAPTOPURINE to the corresponding 5'-mononucleotides and pyrophosphate. The enzyme is important in purine biosynthesis as well as central nervous system functions. Complete lack of enzyme activity is associated with the LESCH-NYHAN SYNDROME, while partial deficiency results in overproduction of uric acid. EC 2.4.2.8. Guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase,HPRT,Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase,IMP Pyrophosphorylase,HGPRT,HPRTase,Hypoxanthine Guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase,Phosphoribosyltransferase, Guanine,Phosphoribosyltransferase, Hypoxanthine,Phosphoribosyltransferase, Hypoxanthine-Guanine,Pyrophosphorylase, IMP
D007376 Interleukin-2 A soluble substance elaborated by antigen- or mitogen-stimulated T-LYMPHOCYTES which induces DNA synthesis in naive lymphocytes. IL-2,Lymphocyte Mitogenic Factor,T-Cell Growth Factor,TCGF,IL2,Interleukin II,Interleukine 2,RU 49637,RU-49637,Ro-23-6019,Ro-236019,T-Cell Stimulating Factor,Thymocyte Stimulating Factor,Interleukin 2,Mitogenic Factor, Lymphocyte,RU49637,Ro 23 6019,Ro 236019,Ro236019,T Cell Growth Factor,T Cell Stimulating Factor
D007700 Kinetics The rate dynamics in chemical or physical systems.
D009154 Mutation Any detectable and heritable change in the genetic material that causes a change in the GENOTYPE and which is transmitted to daughter cells and to succeeding generations. Mutations
D002455 Cell Division The fission of a CELL. It includes CYTOKINESIS, when the CYTOPLASM of a cell is divided, and CELL NUCLEUS DIVISION. M Phase,Cell Division Phase,Cell Divisions,Division Phase, Cell,Division, Cell,Divisions, Cell,M Phases,Phase, Cell Division,Phase, M,Phases, M
D002478 Cells, Cultured Cells propagated in vitro in special media conducive to their growth. Cultured cells are used to study developmental, morphologic, metabolic, physiologic, and genetic processes, among others. Cultured Cells,Cell, Cultured,Cultured Cell
D004351 Drug Resistance Diminished or failed response of an organism, disease or tissue to the intended effectiveness of a chemical or drug. It should be differentiated from DRUG TOLERANCE which is the progressive diminution of the susceptibility of a human or animal to the effects of a drug, as a result of continued administration. Resistance, Drug
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013601 T-Lymphocytes Lymphocytes responsible for cell-mediated immunity. Two types have been identified - cytotoxic (T-LYMPHOCYTES, CYTOTOXIC) and helper T-lymphocytes (T-LYMPHOCYTES, HELPER-INDUCER). They are formed when lymphocytes circulate through the THYMUS GLAND and differentiate to thymocytes. When exposed to an antigen, they divide rapidly and produce large numbers of new T cells sensitized to that antigen. T Cell,T Lymphocyte,T-Cells,Thymus-Dependent Lymphocytes,Cell, T,Cells, T,Lymphocyte, T,Lymphocyte, Thymus-Dependent,Lymphocytes, T,Lymphocytes, Thymus-Dependent,T Cells,T Lymphocytes,T-Cell,T-Lymphocyte,Thymus Dependent Lymphocytes,Thymus-Dependent Lymphocyte
D013866 Thioguanine An antineoplastic compound which also has antimetabolite action. The drug is used in the therapy of acute leukemia. 6-Thioguanine,2-Amino-6-Purinethiol,Lanvis,Tabloid,Thioguanin-GSK,Thioguanine Anhydrous,Thioguanine Hemihydrate,Thioguanine Monosodium Salt,Thioguanine Tabloid,Tioguanina Wellcome,Tioguanine,2 Amino 6 Purinethiol,6 Thioguanine,Anhydrous, Thioguanine,Thioguanin GSK,ThioguaninGSK

Related Publications

T Featherstone, and P D Marshall, and H J Evans
January 1995, Environmental and molecular mutagenesis,
T Featherstone, and P D Marshall, and H J Evans
June 1992, Mutation research,
T Featherstone, and P D Marshall, and H J Evans
February 1990, Mutation research,
T Featherstone, and P D Marshall, and H J Evans
March 1995, Mutation research,
T Featherstone, and P D Marshall, and H J Evans
February 1993, Mutation research,
T Featherstone, and P D Marshall, and H J Evans
February 2003, American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation,
T Featherstone, and P D Marshall, and H J Evans
September 1985, Scandinavian journal of immunology,
T Featherstone, and P D Marshall, and H J Evans
November 1994, Environmental health perspectives,
T Featherstone, and P D Marshall, and H J Evans
December 1995, Immunological reviews,
Copied contents to your clipboard!