Mm. Moore et al., Mouse lymphoma thymidine kinase locus gene mutation assay: International Workshop on Genotoxicity Test Procedures Workgroup Report, ENV MOL MUT, 35(3), 2000, pp. 185-190
The Mouse lymphoma Assay (MLA) Workgroup addressed and reached consensus on
a number of issues. Discussion focused on Five areas: (1) acceptable assay
versions; (2) cytotoxicity measure; (3) 24-hr treatment (4) microwell colo
ny counting and sizing; and (5) data acceptability/statistical analysis. Al
though the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) indicated a pref
erence for the microwell over the soft agar method, all of the workgroup me
mbers agreed that both versions of the MLA are equally acceptable. The work
group agreed that it is desirable for both assay versions to use the same m
easure of cytotoxicity to define the acceptable and required concentration
range. Currently, laboratories using the microwell version use the relative
survival (RS) determined by cloning immediately after the treatment. labor
atories using the soft agar method do not obtain an RS but use the relative
total growth (RTG), a combination of the relative suspension growth (RSG)
during the expression period and the relative cloning efficiency determined
at the time of mutant selection. The workgroup agreed to investigate the R
SG, the RS, and the RTG and to develop further guidance. In the interim, th
e workgroup reached consensus that the RTG be used as the standard measure
of cytotoxicity. The ICH recommended a 24-hr treatment in the absence of S9
when negative results are obtained with short (3-4 hr) treatments. The wor
kgroup agreed to retain this requirement but acknowledged that more data ar
e needed prior to making final recommendations concerning the need for and
the specific protocol for the 24-hr treatment. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, I
nc.