CHAPTER 12: Micronucleus Experiments with Non-human Mammalian Cells

Hamster ovary (CHO) and lung (CHL and V79) cells and the mouse lymphoma cell line L5178Y are the non-human mammalian cells most frequently used for in vitro micronucleus experiments, and are those recommended in regulatory test guidelines (e.g. OECD test guideline 487). Because these cells are readily available and relatively easy to handle, they have been used for more than 25 years for the detection of both clastogens and aneugens. This chapter summarizes their main characteristics, the key steps of the in vitro micronucleus test when conducted with these non-human mammalian cells, the parameters and criteria required for a valid study, and the points to consider when interpreting the results.