A solvent effect on the mutagenicity of tryptophan-pyrolysate mutagens in the Salmonella/mammalian microsome assay

Inhibitory effects of beer and other alcoholic beverages on mutagenesis and DNA adduct formation induced by several carcinogens

The possibility that beer and other alcoholic beverages could be antimutagenic against the heterocyclic amines (HAs), a group of carcinogens produced on cooking proteinaceous foods, has been explored. In the Salmonella mutation assays, beer showed inhibitory effects against several HAs [preactivated Trp-P-1, Trp-P-2(NHOH), and Glu-P-1(NHOH)] that are directly mutagenic in bacteria. Japanese sake, red and white wines, and brandy were also effective. However, ethyl alcohol alone did not show these effects. The formation of O(6)-methylguanine by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in the DNA of Salmonella YG7108 was also inhibited by beer. Nonvolatile beer components were administered orally to CDF(1) mice together with Trp-P-2. Adducts in the liver DNA were significantly decreased by the beer, as compared to those in controls fed Trp-P-2 only. Although several phenolic compounds known to be present in beer were antimutagenic toward these mutagens, their effects were very small. It was concluded that some yet to be identified component(s) of beer is (are) responsible for this antimutagenicity.

Iron-chlorophyllin-mediated conversion of 3-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2(NHOH)) into its nitroso derivative

Early work from our laboratory has shown that the mutagenicity of heterocyclic amines in Salmonella can be inhibited by hemin and chlorophyllins. We have speculated that the inhibition is a result of complex formation between heterocyclic amines and the pigments, and the speculation has been given a line of experimental evidence. We have now found that ferric-chlorophyllin (Fe-chlorophyllin) can modify the mutagenicity of 3-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4, 3-b]indole (Trp-P-2(NHOH)), a metabolically activated form of 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2). The mutagenicity of Trp-P-2(NHOH) in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 (without S9) was strongly inhibited by an addition of an equimolar Fe-chlorophyllin in the pre-incubation mixture. Fe-chlorophyllin also inhibited the mutagenicity of 2-hydroxyamino-6-methyldipyrido[1,2-a:3',2'-d] imidazole (Glu-P-1(NHOH)). A rapid change in the UV spectrum of a mixture of Trp-P-2(NHOH) and Fe-chlorophyllin was observed. Analysis by high performance liquid chromatography showed that Trp-P-2(NHOH) was converted into 3-nitroso-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2(NO)), the mutagenic potency of which is a quarter of that of Trp-P-2(NHOH). Furthermore, the mutagenicity of Trp-P-2(NO), in turn, was inhibited by Fe-chlorophyllin. We conclude that the suppression of the mutagenicity of Trp-P-2(NHOH) is ascribable to the oxidative function of Fe-chlorophyllin, coupled with its ability to form complex formation with the planar surface of the heterocyclic amine molecules.

Inhibitory effect of hemin, chlorophyllin and related pyrrole pigments on the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene and its metabolites

Hemin and chlorophyllin are known to inhibit strongly the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene in the Salmonella assay. To further investigate this phenomenon, a series of these pyrrole pigments including pure samples of Cu- and Fe-chlorins were tested for their potency to inhibit the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene and its metabolites, benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol, benzo[a]pyrene-4,5-epoxide, and benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide. Hemin was the most potent among the pigments tested for these inhibitions. Both hemin and Cu-chlorin accelerated efficiently the degradation of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide, and this acceleration seemed to be the predominant mechanism by which these pigments inhibit the overall mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene in Salmonella. Based on spectroscopic evidence, we speculate that a complex formation between hemin and benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide takes place and that this complexing is the cause of the accelerated degradation.

Some perspectives on the nutritional aspects of breast cancer research. Food-derived heterocyclic amines as etiologic agents in human mammary cancer

Epidemiologic and experimental evidence indicates that dietary factors influence the incidence of mammary gland cancer. The dietary causes of this cancer, however, remain largely unknown. This paper reviews the experimental studies implicating the food-derived heterocyclic amines (HAs) in human breast cancer. Heterocyclic amines are formed at the parts-per-billion levels in meats, such as beef, chicken, pork, and fish, cooked by ordinary methods. 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is among the most prevalent of the HAs in fried and barbecued beef, a staple of the American diet. Chronic administration of PhIP in the diet has been shown to cause mammary gland cancer in rats. Two other food-derived HAs, 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline and 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline, also have been shown to be mammary carcinogens in rodent models. In rats, heterocyclic amines produce DNA adducts in the mammary gland after metabolic activation. Studies examining human urine for HAs and metabolites confirm that humans who consume cooked meats are exposed to HAs. Studies also reveal that humans can activate HAs metabolically. Therefore, the experimental evidence suggests that the food-derived HAs may be etiologic agents in human breast cancer. Humans, however, are exposed to a complex mixture of carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic agents through their diets. Experimental studies examining the interaction between HAs and other dietary factors with respect to mammary carcinogenesis are warranted.

Binding of polycyclic planar mutagens to chlorophyllin resulting in inhibition of the mutagenic activity

Chlorophyllin is known to inhibit the mutagenicity of a variety of compounds. Using highly purified samples of chlorophyllin and its family compounds, we studied the mechanism of the inhibition. Since mutagens with polycyclic planar structures are particularly strongly inhibited, it seemed likely that the inhibition arises by trapping of the mutagens by chlorophyllin through complex formation at the planar surfaces of these molecules. To explore this possibility, we prepared a Sepharose bearing covalently linked chlorophyllin as ligand, and the adsorption of mutagens to this Sepharose was measured. Three different chlorophyllin derivatives were used, i.e., copper-chlorin, iron-chlorin and chlorin, to investigate the role of metal in the center of the chlorophyllin chromophore. Adsorption of 37 different compounds, mostly mutagens, in 0.02 M Tris-HCl buffer at pH 8.0 to these chlorophyllin-Sepharose preparations was studied in a quantitative manner. The results showed that most of the compounds having three or more fused rings were strongly adsorbed with apparent dissociation constants of 10(-5)-10(-6) M, whereas those having two fused rings or one ring were only poorly adsorbed. Since the three Sepharose adsorbents gave similar adsorption profiles, it appeared that the central metal in the chlorophyllin molecule does not play a crucial role in the adsorption. We also measured the inhibitory effect of copper-chlorin against the mutagenicity of some of these compounds using the Salmonella assay. The results showed that those mutagens that were strongly adsorbable to copper-chlorin-Sepharose were subject to efficient inhibition by copper-chlorin, whereas many of those only poorly adsorbed were inhibited only weakly. We concluded that trapping by complex formation plays a role in the antimutagenic actions of chlorophyllin against many mutagens, particularly notable being the actions against ICR-170, quinacrine, aflatoxin B1, Trp-P-1 and Trp-P-2. An unusual behavior of Trp-P-2 in the adsorption process, i.e., a very tight complex formation at an extremely low Trp-P-2 concentration, was found; the implication of this phenomenon in relation to the real environmental setting is discussed.

Modified metabolism of a carcinogen, 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2), by liver S9 from Schistosoma japonicum-infected mice

Schistosoma japonicum infection has been associated with an increased incidence of liver and colorectal cancers in humans. To explore the mechanisms underlying this association, we investigated the carcinogen-metabolizing properties of liver S9 preparations from S. japonicum-infected mice and compared them with those of S9 from uninfected animals. When the carcinogen 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2) was incubated with these S9s and the products were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, we observed that the S9 from infected mice had a lower ability to convert Trp-P-2 into 3-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2(NHOH)), an activated form of promutagenic Trp-P-2, than the S9 from uninfected mice. We found that both of these S9 preparations have a high ability to reduce Trp-P-2(NHOH) into Trp-P-2; however, the infected-mouse S9 showed a significantly greater reducing power than the control S9. This difference appears to be responsible for the observed lower mutagen-activating potential of the infected mouse S9. These results suggest that hepatic enzyme activities of S. japonicum-infected mice are quantitatively different from those of normal mice.

The effect of tetrahydrofuran on biological systems: does a hepatotoxic potential exist?

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a widely used solvent in industry and research. THF is a weak toxin, with approximate acute LD50s in the range of 2 to 3 g/kg, 8 to 20 mg/L, and 800 mg/kg following oral, inhalation, and i.v. routes, respectively. The two primary signs of intoxication are narcosis and hepatocellular dysfunction, both occurring at doses of approximately one-half of the lethal dose. Little is known concerning the pharmacokinetics of THF. No evidence exists for genotoxicity due to THF. Ongoing carcinogenicity bioassay tests sponsored by the National Toxicology Program have not yet been completed. Two significant interactions of THF with cellular components have been studied; first, THF inhibits a number of enzymatic reactions at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 mM. Most notably, THF is an inhibitor of a number of cytochrome P450 (P450) dependent mixed function oxidase activities, with a particular affinity for the alcohol-induced isozyme (P450IIE1). Second, THF has been noted to enhance the toxic action of a number of compounds (i.e. solvent effect), in particular stimulating the more rapid absorption of reactive metabolites. A third factor to be considered is THF's ability to form peroxides upon standing. Little is known concerning the toxicity of THF peroxides. Therefore, while there is little evidence to suggest that THF would be a direct (Type I) hepatotoxin at relatively low doses, its ability to inhibit drug-metabolizing reactions (perhaps more so in alcohol users), and enhance the absorbance of reactive metabolites, are relatively unexplored avenues for THF to contribute to a hepatotoxic response. As a great deal of the human hepatotoxicity (Type II) is "idiosyncratic" and cannot be readily reproduced in experimental animals, this potential route of hepatotoxicity should be considered in future evaluations of human exposure to THF.

The interaction of methanol, rat-liver S9 and the aromatic amine 2,4-diaminotoluene produces a new mutagenic compound

Methanol is a widely used solvent for organic compounds and a human toxicant. In our studies of the metabolism of aromatic amines in the Ames/Salmonella assay, we observed a rapid and quantitative conversion of the mutagenic and carcinogenic aromatic amine 2,4-diaminotoluene (2,4-DAT) to a single product. This product was only produced in the presence of methanol, and not other organic solvents. Isolation of this product showed that it was highly mutagenic in Salmonella TA98 with S9 activation. Characterization of the product of the interaction of methanol and 2,4-DAT indicated that methanol is activated to a reactive intermediate, probably formaldehyde, by the 9000 X g supernatant used in the Ames/Salmonella assay. The formaldehyde subsequently reacts with 2,4-DAT to form the mutagenic product, identified as bis-5,5'(2,4,2',4'-tetraaminotolyl)methane. Results of this study demonstrate that methanol may be an inappropriate solvent for mutation and metabolism studies of aromatic amines and possibly other chemicals, and that solvent-xenobiotic interactions may in some cases lead to the misinterpretation of results.

Metabolism of dietary genotoxins by the human colonic microflora; the fecapentaenes and heterocyclic amines

The microflora of the human colon is a complex ecosystem of anaerobic bacteria which have the capability of enzymatically transforming a variety of dietary (or biliary) compounds to genotoxic metabolites. In the past, most investigators studying the interplay between diet and colonic flora and its role in the etiology of cancers focused on the reductive and glycosidic potential of the bacterial enzymes--many of which reverse the oxidative and conjugative reactions performed by the liver. Recent work in our laboratory has focused on the metabolism of two relatively new classes of genotoxins, the fecapentaenes and the heterocyclic amines (pyrolysis carcinogens). The fecapentaenes (conjugated ether lipids) are produced in the colon by Bacteroides spp. from polyunsaturated ether phospholipids (plasmalogens) whose natural origin and function are unknown. The fecapentaenes are potent direct-acting genotoxins that are detected in the feces of most individuals on normal western diets. The heterocyclic amines, which originate from fried or broiled proteinaceous foods, normally require activation by the liver before being potent mutagens or carcinogens. However, the "IQ" subclass (e.g. IQ and MeIQ) can be activated in the colon by Eubacterium and Clostridium species to a 7-hydroxy form which is directly mutagenic in Salmonella. Although there is no direct evidence that the fecapentaenes or the 7-hydroxy "IQ" compounds influence risk for colon cancer, the potency and prevalence of these bacterial metabolites is cause for concern.

Role of hemin in the inhibition of mutagenic activity of 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2) and other aminoazaarenes

The mechanism of inhibition by hemin of the mutagenic activities of food pyrolysate aminoazaarenes, particularly that of Trp-P-2 (3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole), was investigated. Hemin efficiently inhibited the metabolic activation by S9 of Trp-P-2, as demonstrated by high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of the reaction mixtures in which Trp-P-2 had been treated with S9 in the presence or absence of hemin. N-Hydroxy-Trp-P-2, an activated form of Trp-P-2 having direct mutagenicity on Salmonella typhimurium TA98, undergoes spontaneous oxidative degradation in its aqueous solution, and the presence of hemin in the solution accelerated the degradation significantly. The presence of excess hemin with N-hydroxy-Trp-P-2 completely abolished the mutagenic activity of this mutagen towards Salmonella. A UV-visible spectroscopic study has suggested the formation of a complex between hemin and N-hydroxy-Trp-P-2/Trp-P-2. In support of this view, the fluorescence spectrum of a Trp-P-2 solution was quenched efficiently by the addition of hemin. These observations indicate that this complex formation plays a role in the observed multiple actions of hemin. Similar inhibitory actions of hemin on several other direct-acting aminoazaarene mutagens are also described, as well as the inhibition activities of protoporphyrin, chlorophyllin, biliverdin and bilirubin.

The involvement of dimethyl sulfoxide in a bacteriotoxic response of the Ames assay tester strains TA98 and TA100

Dimethyl sulfoxide is a widely accepted and recommended solvent in which to dissolve compounds to be tested for mutagenicity via the Ames Salmonella/mammalian microsome assay. Using tester strains TA98 and TA100, we observed a bacteriotoxic response with various fractions isolated from beer when dissolved in DMSO but not when dissolved in water. Further characterization of the role of solvent in simple model systems consisting of butanol, DMSO and bacteria strongly suggests a chemical reaction occurs between dimethyl sulfoxide and specific chemical constituents of the test substance, nutrient broth, or the Ames bacterial strains. The result of such an interaction could be misinterpreted as a toxic response to the test substance when, in fact, the bacteriotoxicity could be due to another compound, chemically distinct from the test substance.

Alcohol, cancer, and immunomodulation

There is a great deal of epidemiological evidence indicating that chronic, excessive alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for cancers in humans. However, the experimental basis for the increased cancer risk associated with alcohol intake is not clear. Since it appears that ethanol alone is not carcinogenic, ethanol effects must be explained in terms of its modifying the actions of other causal agents. Current studies indicate that ethanol and its congeners may act as tumor promoters, thereby enhancing the effect of initiating carcinogens from the environment. Available evidence also shows that ethanol is immunosuppressive. Clearly, cirrhosis due to high, prolonged alcohol intake is an indicator of the immunosuppressive effects of ethanol. It is less clear that more moderate intakes of alcohol could have as profound an effect on immune systems. However, changes do occur yielding alterations in lymphocyte sensitivity to alcohol in vitro and in cell development, as shown by increased NK cell function at low concentrations. Since other conditions, such as cytotoxic drugs which suppress cellular immune functions, are clearly associated with increased cancer risk. It is intriguing to think that prolonged exposure to ethanol-induced immunosuppression may be a cofactor in the promotion of cancer. The tumor promotion may take place via a variety of mechanisms as discussed in this paper, including reduced host defenses by direct effects of ethanol, its metabolites, and/or malnutrition. It may be beneficial to test methods for immunostimulation in prolonged alcohol abusers, where cessation of use is unsuccessful or residual immunosuppression remains, to reduce the risk of development or growth of initiated tumors.

Dietary inhibitors of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis

Dietary inhibitors of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis are of particular interest because they may be useful for human cancer prevention. Several mutagenesis inhibitors have been demonstrated to be carcinogenesis inhibitors also, e.g., ellagic acid, palmitoleic acid, and N-acetylcysteine. This means that the search for mutagenesis inhibitors may be useful for discovering anticarcinogenic agents. Many mutagenesis inhibitors have been discovered by the use of short-term assays, particularly the Ames Salmonella test. This simple in vitro system has provided opportunities to elucidate the mechanisms of inhibition. The elucidation of the mechanism may allow us to infer the possible anticarcinogenic activity of the reagent. In this chapter, inhibitors of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis that can arise as components of diet have been reviewed. Most of the inhibitors have been demonstrated to be effective against a specific class of mutagens or carcinogens. Therefore, it may be argued that these inhibitors are antagonistic only to those particular agents. Here again, understanding of the mechanisms of these inhibitions is necessary for the assessment. Dietary inhibitors reviewed in this article include: (1) as inhibitors of mutagenesis: porphyllins, fatty acids, vitamins, polyphenols, and sulfhydryl compounds, (2) as inhibitors of carcinogenesis: vitamins A, E and C, ellagic acid, sulfhydryl compounds, fats, selenium, calcium, and fiber. Further studies in this area of science appear to help establish the recipe of a healthy diet.

Inhibitory effect of myoglobin and hemoglobin on the direct-acting mutagenicity of protein pyrolysate heterocyclic amine derivatives

We have shown in our earlier reports (Arimoto et al., 1980a, b) that hemin and some other porphyrins can inhibit the mutagenicity in Salmonella of heterocyclic amines derived from cooking of proteins. A direct interaction between hemin and the mutagens was implicated on the basis of the observation that some of the mutagens were inactivated when they had been metabolically converted into direct-acting mutagens before the treatment with hemin. Hemin is a bound constituent of various proteins including hemoglobin and myoglobin, which are abundantly present in the blood and muscles, respectively. An interesting question is whether or not hemoglobin and myoglobin can inhibit the activities of the mutagenic heterocyclic amines.

Biological effects of acetamide, formamide, and their monomethyl and dimethyl derivatives

The industrial use of certain acetamides and formamides (particularly DMAC and DMF) for their solvent properties has resulted in rather extensive examination of their biological properties. Both DMAC and DMF are rapidly absorbed through biological membranes and are metabolized by demethylation first to monomethyl derivatives and then to the parent acetamide or formamide. Relatively high single doses to various species following oral, dermal, i.p., i.v., or inhalation exposures generally are required to produce mortality. The liver is the primary target following acute high level exposure, but massive doses can also produce damage to other organs and tissues. Repeated sublethal treatment by various routes also shows the liver to be the target organ with the degree of damage being proportional to the amount absorbed. With MMF, the potential usefulness as a cancer chemotherapeutic agent needs to be measured against the hepatotoxic effects produced in man. Acetamides and formamides are generally inactive in mutagenicity tests. Mammalian test systems do not appear to be genetically sensitive and DMF has been recommended for use as the vehicle in microbial assays designed to test for genetic activity of hard-to-dissolve chemicals. Embryotoxicity can be demonstrated at high doses; doses which generally show toxicity to the maternal animals. Structural abnormalities in sensitive species such as the rabbit are produced following exposure at near-lethal levels. The spectrum of abnormalities seen is broad and fails to show any time or site specificity in terms of developing organs/organ systems. Inhalation exposures to DMAC and DMF at levels producing some maternal toxicity in rats have produced no teratogenic response and only slight evidence of embryotoxicity. Long-term feeding of relatively high levels of acetamide produces liver cancer in rats. DMAC and DMF appear to be noncarcinogenic. The environmental toxicity of these chemicals is low. Liver damage can be produced by overexposure to these chemicals in man. Airborne concentrations need to be controlled and care should be taken to avoid excessive liquid contact as the chemicals are absorbed through the skin. A relationship exists between the amount of DMAC or DMF absorbed and the amount of MMAC or MMF excreted in the urine so that biomonitoring of the urinary metabolites can indicate situations in which total exposures, both dermal and inhalation, are excessive. An interaction between DMF and ethanol occurs such that signs, including severe facial flushing, appear when DMF-exposed individuals consume alcoholic beverages.

The mouse spot test. Evaluation of its performance in identifying chemical mutagens and carcinogens

The published results on 60 chemicals and X-rays investigated in the mouse spot test were compared with data on the same chemicals tested in the bacterial mutation assay (Ames test) and lifetime rodent bioassays. The performance of the spot test as an in vivo complementary assay to the in vitro bacterial mutagenesis test reveals that of 60 agents, 38 were positive in both systems, 6 were positive only in the spot test, 10 were positive only in the bacterial test and 6 were negative in both assays. The spot test was also considered as a predictor of carcinogenesis; 45 chemicals were carcinogenic of which 35 were detected as positive by the spot test and 3 out of 6 non-carcinogens were correctly identified as negative. If the results are regarded in sequence, i.e. that a positive result in a bacterial mutagenicity test reveals potential that may or may not be realized in vivo, then 48 chemicals were mutagenic in the bacterial mutation assay of which 38 were active in the spot test and 31 were confirmed as carcinogens in bioassays. 12 chemicals were non-mutagenic to bacteria of which 6 gave positive responses in the spot test and 5 were confirmed as carcinogens. These results provide strong evidence that the mouse coat spot test is an effective complementary test to the bacterial mutagenesis assay for the detection of genotoxic chemicals and as a confirmatory test for the identification of carcinogens. The main deficiency at present is the paucity of data from the testing of non-carcinogens. With further development and improvement of the test it is probable that the predictive performance of the assay in identifying carcinogens should improve, since many of the false negative responses may be due to inadequate testing.

Inhibitory effect of organic solvents on the mutagenicity of N-nitrosodialkylamines in Salmonella

The influence of organic solvents on the mutagenicity of 11 N-nitrosamines was examined in Salmonella typhimurium TA100 using the Ames's liquid incubation assay in the presence of rat-liver S9. The mutagenic activities of N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, 6 oxidative derivatives of N-nitrosopropylamine and N-nitroso-2,6-dimethylmorpholine were considerably decreased by addition of dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, acetone, 95% ethanol or acetonitrile, which are recommended for use as solvents in the assay by Ames's group, to the incubation mixture. The mutagenic activities of N-nitrosodipropylamine and N-nitrosodibutylamine, which are barely soluble in water, were also suppressed by increasing concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide. These organic solvents did not appear to exert their influence by desmutagenic and antimutagenic actions. In contrast, the recoveries of unmetabolized carcinogens from preincubation mixtures and from agar plates were significantly higher in the presence of organic solvents than in their absence. The results indicate that the inhibitory effect is a result of interference with the process of metabolic activation by liver S9.

Solvent interactions with test compounds and recommendations for testing to avoid artifacts

Reports in the literature describing artifactual results owing to interactions of test materials with solvents are becoming more frequent. The present study was initiated to examine possible interactions of 1,1,3-trichloro-, 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-, pentachloro- and hexachloroacetones with different solvents, since certain solvent effects with the last compound have been shown previously. Quantitative differences in levels of mutagenic potency were found for tri-, tetra-, and pentachloroacetone, dissolved in acetone or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). On the other hand, hexachloroacetone without solvent was mutagenic, and this activity was enhanced when it was dissolved in DMSO; in acetone it was not mutagenic. A time-dependent reaction of hexachloroacetone with DMSO was the only test material-solvent interaction found in this study. The results show clearly that DMSO is not an appropriate solvent for hexachloroacetone. On the basis of these and previous results, we recommend consideration of the following strategy to help prevent reporting of artifactual results owing to interaction with solvents: Results from initial screening experiments should be confirmed in repeat experiments using a different solvent; and a different solvent should be used in confirming the findings of other investigators. Differences in results would indicate a need for further study.