Action of Tumor Initiators and Promoters in the Syrian Hamster Embryo Cell Transformation Assay

摘要

The Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cell transformation assay is unique among the rodent fibroblast transformation systems in that it uses normal, diploid cells. Alteration in the control of growth in carcinogen-treated cultures is used to indicate the onset of neoplastic development. An evaluation of the SHE assay for screening carcinogens is reported. Using coded chemicals, the degree of intra- and interlaboratory reproducibility with the system was evaluated. Overall, there was a good qualitative correlation between the carcinogenicity of the chemicals and their ability to induce morphological cell transformation. Unfortunately, the low level of response and lack of good dose-response relationships with certain chemical are still major constraints to the use of this system in routine testing. Further consideration needs to be given to developing procedures that select for, or amplify, expression of the transformed phenotype. 9 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab. (ERA citation 12:023689)