Genotoxic activity of some mycotoxins using the SOS chromotest

The genotoxic activity of 11 mycotoxins was investigated inEscherichia coli K 12. The induction of the SOS functionsfi A whose level of expression is monitored by means of asfi A:: lac Z operon fusion was assayed by measuring the-galactosidase activity in the PQ 37 strain. Most of these fungal metabolites did not induce SOS response in this bacterial test. Only aflatoxicol, a reduced metabolite of aflatoxin B₁ was well detected as an SOS inducer if metabolic activation was performed. Patulin, penicillic acid and viomellein are only weak inducing agents. The other fungal compounds tested failed to demonstrate a positive SOS inducing activity. Relationship between SOS chromotest, mutagenicity toSalmonella typhimurium andin vivo carcinogenicity was discussed.