Enhanced mutagenic response of MNU by post-treatment with methylmercury,caffeine or thymidine in V79 Chinese hamster cells

Post-treatment with a non-toxic dose of thymidine, caffeine or methylmercury-hydroxide enhanced the mutagenic response from MNU at high doses, whereas no enhancement was observed with low doses of MNU. No mutagenic effects were found with thymidine, caffeine or methylmercury alone at the doses used. Quantitatively, the modifying effects observed were similar for the 3 agents which indicates the possibility of a similar way of action.