INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF CHLOROPHYLLIN ON THE GENOTOXICITY OF CARCINOGENS IN DROSOPHILA

Antimutagenic activity of copper chlorophyllin against various carcino genic mutagens was assayed with Drosophila genotoxicity tests, i.e., t he wing spot test for detecting somatic cell mutations and the DNA rep air test for detecting DNA damage. In these tests, Drosophila larvae w ere fed carcinogens together with chlorophyllin. Polycyclic aromatic c ompounds, including heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarb ons, aromatic amines and aromatic nitro compounds, were subject to inh ibition, with a few exceptions. The results support the view that chlo rophyllin traps carcinogens by forming complexes, thereby inhibiting t he absorption of these compounds from the digestive tract. Consistent with this mechanism, Sepharose-supported chlorophyllin in the feed inh ibited the Trp-P-2-induced wing spot formation, while Sepharose itself was ineffective.