Transgenic animal mutation models: a review of the models and how they function.

In regulatory genetic toxicology, the endpoints available for routine study in vivo have been limited to looking at chromosomal damage or unscheduled DNA synthesis in a very limited number of tissues. With the development of transgenic gene mutation systems in rodents came the opportunity to investigate a new endpoint. The better-known λLacI and λLacZ are covered in some detail and the less well established models do receive mention with appropriate references for those wishing more information. Using a recommended experimental design it is now possible to look at the ability of a compound to induce gene mutation following in vivo exposure, in any tissue from which suitable DNA can be isolated.