VERMICULIN DERIVATIVES .2. CYTOTOXIC AND MUTAGENIC ACTIVITIES OF VERMICULIN DERIVATIVES

The induction of mutations at the HPRT locus and cytotoxicities of 4 v ermiculin derivatives 2-4 and 6 were examined in V79 Chinese hamster c ells and compared with those of the parent compound vermiculin (1). De rivatives prepared by hydrogenation were less toxic and mutagenic or n on toxic and non mutagenic. The substitution at position 13 affected t he evaluated biological effects. The results suggest that in vitro met abolism of vermiculin resulted in decreased cytotoxicity and mutagenic ity.