The w/w+ somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) of Drosophila melanogaster for detecting reactive oxygen species: characterization of 6 strains.

The w/w+ somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) of Drosophila melanogaster is a fast and low cost in vivo assay that has shown excellent results in the assessment of genotoxicity of a large number of compounds. However, recent studies have revealed that, when procarcinogens are to be evaluated, the performance of the assay is largely dependent on the genetic background of the strains used. To determine which one of the strains available for this test would be advisable to evaluate agents producing reactive oxygen species we have used two approaches. Firstly, the w/w+ assay was carried out using 6 different strains and two compounds: menadione and paraquat. Secondly, 3 biochemical traits were determined for the 6 strains: superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and their capacity to induce reactive oxygen species. The results suggest that the strains Oregon K and Haag 79 would be usable when potential inducers of reactive oxygen species are to be investigated.