Acute cytogenetic effects of tyramine and MTCAs on mouse bone marrow cells in vivo by the micronucleus test.

Abstract We studied the acute cytogenetic effects of tyramine and MTCAs — precursors of the mutagen present in soy sauce — on mouse bone marrow cells in vivo by the micronucleus test. The incidence of MNPCE in bone marrow cells gradually increased and reached a maximum level 24 h after intraperitoneal injection of tyramine or MTCAs and decreased within 36 h. A dose-dependent increase in MNPCE was clearly observed for both compounds. Compared to the values for the untreated control, significant positive results were obtained with 0.5 mmole tyramine/kg (68.5 mg/kg) and with 0.1 mmole MTCAs/kg (23 mg/kg) 24 h after intraperitoneal administrations. Micronuclei were significantly induced but no severe reduction in the ratio of PCEs/NCEs was observed.