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Administrative data

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Genetic toxicity in vitro

Description of key information

An Ames test is available with Polyethylenepolyamines (PEPA; CAS 68131-73-7), which showed a weak genotoxic potential. An in vitro micronucleus test according to OECD 487 is ongoing and the draft results are negative. As soon as the data is available the dossier will be updated. In the meanwhile the following interim data is used in addition. Reliable data were used from the structural analogue Amines, polyethylenepoly-, triethylenetetramine fraction (CAS 90640-67-8). Amines, polyethylenepoly-, triethylenetetramine fraction showed positive, ambiguous or negative results in an Ames test, an in vitro gene mutation (mammalian cells) test, Sister Chromatide Exchange tests and UDS tests.

Link to relevant study records

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
in vitro gene mutation study in bacteria
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
12 August 2020 - 01 October 2020
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
guideline study
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 471 (Bacterial Reverse Mutation Assay)
Version / remarks:
21 July 1997 as corrected in 2020
Deviations:
no
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EU Method B.13/14 (Mutagenicity - Reverse Mutation Test Using Bacteria)
Version / remarks:
30 May 2008
Deviations:
not specified
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EPA OPPTS 870.5100 - Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test (August 1998)
Version / remarks:
August 1998
Deviations:
not specified
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
other: The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Guidelines
Version / remarks:
31 March 2011
Deviations:
not specified
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
other: ICH S2(R1) Federal Register
Version / remarks:
June 2012
Deviations:
not specified
GLP compliance:
yes
Type of assay:
bacterial reverse mutation assay
Target gene:
his / trp operon
Species / strain / cell type:
S. typhimurium TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98, TA 100 and E. coli WP2
Remarks:
Experiment 1 (plate incorporation) & Experiment 2 (preincubation): all strains were tested, Experiment 3 (preincubation; confirmatory experinment): only with the strain TA98 (absence of S9 only);
Details on mammalian cell type (if applicable):
not applicable
Additional strain / cell type characteristics:
other:
Remarks:
TA1537: his C 3076; rfa-; uvrB; TA98: his D 3052; rfa-; uvrB-; R-factor; TA1535: his G 46; rfa-; uvrB-; TA100: his G 46; rfa-; uvrB-; R-factor; WP2uvrA trp-; uvrA-;
Cytokinesis block (if used):
not applicable
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Metabolic activation system:
Type and composition of metabolic activation system: Phenobarbitone / β-Naphthoflavone induced S9 Microsomal fractions (Sprague-Dawley);
- source of S9: purchased from Moltox; Lot No. 4222; the protein level was adjusted to 20 mg/mL;
- method of preparation of S9 mix: The S9-mix was prepared before using sterilized co-factors and maintained on ice for the duration of the test (S9: 5.0 mL, 1.65 M KCl/0.4 M MgCl2: 1.0 mL, 0.1 M glucose-6-phosphate: 2.5 mL, 0.1 M NADP: 2.0 mL, 0.2 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4): 25.0 mL, sterile distilled water 14.5 mL);
- concentration or volume of S9 mix and S9 in the final culture medium: 0.5 mL S9 mix (i.e. 0.05 mL S9)
- quality controls of S9: A 0.5 mL aliquot of S9-mix and 2 mL of molten, trace histidine or tryptophan supplemented top agar were overlaid onto a sterile Vogel-Bonner Minimal agar plate in order to assess the sterility of the S9-mix. This procedure was repeated, in triplicate, on the day of the experiment.
Test concentrations with justification for top dose:
- Experiment 1 (plate incorporation): 1.5, 5, 15, 50, 150, 500, 1500 and 5000 µg/plate (5000 µg/plate is the maximum recommended dose level according to OECD TG 471);
- Experiment 2 (preincubation): 15, 50, 150, 500, 1500, and 5000 µg/plate
Dose range used for Experiment 2 was determined by the results of Experiment 1. Six test item concentrations were selected in Experiment 2 in order to ensure the study achieved at least four non-toxic dose levels as required by the test guideline, and were selected based on the lack of cytotoxicity noted in Experiment 1, and the potential for a change in the cytotoxicity of the test item following the change in test methodology from plate incorporation to pre-incubation.
- Experiment 3 (preincubation; confirmatory experiment): 500, 1500, 3000, 4000 and 5000 µg/plate
Vehicle / solvent:
- Vehicle(s)/solvent(s) used: sterile distilled water

- Justification for choice of solvent/vehicle:
The test item was fully miscible in sterile distilled water at 50 mg/mL in solubility checks.

The test item was accurately weighed and, on the day of the experiment, approximate half-log dilutions prepared in sterile distilled water by mixing on a vortex mixer. No correction for purity was required. All test item preparation and dosing was performed under yellow safety lighting. All formulations were used within four hours of preparation and were assumed to be stable for this period. Analysis for concentration, homogeneity and stability of the test item formulations was not determined.
Untreated negative controls:
yes
Negative solvent / vehicle controls:
yes
True negative controls:
no
Positive controls:
yes
Positive control substance:
4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide
N-ethyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine
benzo(a)pyrene
other: 9-Aminoacridine hydrochloride monohydrate: -S9; in DMSO; TA1537: 80 µg/plate; 2-Aminoanthracene: +S9; in DMSO; TA100: 1 µg/plate; TA1537 / TA1535: 2 µg/plate; WP2uvrA: 10 µg/plate;
Remarks:
In addition, sterility controls (top agar and histidine / biotin or tryptophan -S9, top agar and histidine / biotin or tryptophan +S9, maximum dosing solution of the test item -S9) were performed in singular prior to mutation test.
Details on test system and experimental conditions:
NUMBER OF REPLICATIONS:
- Number of cultures per concentration: triplicate;
- Number of independent experiments: 3;

METHOD OF TREATMENT/ EXPOSURE:
- Test substance added in agar (plate incorporation; Experiment 1); preincubation (Experiment 2 and 3);

Experiment 1:
A 0.1 mL aliquot of the appropriate concentration of test item, solvent vehicle or 0.1 mL of the appropriate positive control was added together with 0.1 mL of the bacterial strain culture, 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer or S9-mix and 2 mL of molten, trace amino-acid supplemented media. These were then mixed and overlayed onto a Vogel-Bonner agar plate. Negative (untreated) controls were also performed on the same day as the mutation test.

Experiment 2 and 3:
A 0.1 mL aliquot of the appropriate bacterial strain culture, 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer or S9-mix and 0.1 mL of the appropriate concentration of test item formulation, solvent vehicle or 0.1 mL of appropriate positive control were incubated at 37 ± 3 °C (with shaking) prior to addition of 2 mL of molten, trace amino-acid supplemented media and subsequent plating onto Vogel-Bonner plates. Negative (untreated) controls were also performed on the same day as the mutation test (see above, Experiment 1) .

As the results between Experiments 1 (negative) and 2 (positive) were considered to be contradictory, a third, confirmatory experiment was performed using the pre-incubation method and bacterial strains TA98 (absence of S9 only).

TREATMENT AND HARVEST SCHEDULE:
- Preincubation period (Experiment 2): 20 minutes;
- Exposure duration/duration of treatment: between 48 and 72 hours;

METHODS FOR MEASUREMENT OF CYTOTOXICITY
- Method: background growth inhibition (the plates were viewed microscopically for evidence of thinning of the background bacterial lawn);


METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF GENOTOXICIY: Plates were scored for the presence of revertant colonies using an automated colony counting system after incubation at 37 +/- 3 °C.
Rationale for test conditions:
according to OECD TG 471
Evaluation criteria:
There are several criteria for determining a positive result. Any, one, or all of the following can be used to determine the overall result of the study:

1. A dose-related increase in mutant frequency over the dose range tested.
2. A reproducible increase at one or more concentrations.
3. Biological relevance against historical control ranges of the lab.
4. A fold increase greater than two times the concurrent solvent control for TA100, TA98 and WP2uvrA or a three-fold increase for TA1535 and TA1537 (especially if accompanied by an out-of-historical range response).
5. Statistical analysis of data as determined by UKEMS.

A test item is considered non-mutagenic (negative) in the test system if the above criteria are not met.
Although most experiments give clear positive or negative results, in some instances the data generated prohibit making a definite judgment about test item activity. Results of this type are reported as equivocal.
Statistics:
Statistical significance was confirmed by using Dunnett’s Regression Analysis (* = p < 0.05) for those values that indicate statistically significant increases in the frequency of revertant colonies compared to the concurrent solvent control.
Key result
Species / strain:
S. typhimurium TA 98
Metabolic activation:
without
Genotoxicity:
positive
Remarks:
Experiment 2 & 3: small, but statistically significant increases in the frequency of revertant colonies at 5000 µg/plate -S9, meeting the criteria for a positive result;
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
no cytotoxicity nor precipitates, but tested up to recommended limit concentrations
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
valid
True negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Key result
Species / strain:
S. typhimurium TA 98
Metabolic activation:
with
Genotoxicity:
negative
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
no cytotoxicity nor precipitates, but tested up to recommended limit concentrations
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
valid
True negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Key result
Species / strain:
S. typhimurium TA 1535
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Genotoxicity:
negative
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
no cytotoxicity nor precipitates, but tested up to recommended limit concentrations
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
valid
True negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Key result
Species / strain:
S. typhimurium TA 1537
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Genotoxicity:
negative
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
no cytotoxicity nor precipitates, but tested up to recommended limit concentrations
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
valid
True negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Key result
Species / strain:
S. typhimurium TA 100
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Genotoxicity:
negative
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
no cytotoxicity nor precipitates, but tested up to recommended limit concentrations
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
valid
True negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Key result
Species / strain:
E. coli WP2 uvr A
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Genotoxicity:
negative
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
no cytotoxicity nor precipitates, but tested up to recommended limit concentrations
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
valid
True negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Additional information on results:
TEST-SPECIFIC CONFOUNDING FACTORS
- Water solubility: The test item was fully miscible in sterile distilled water at 50 mg/mL in solubility checks.
- Precipitation and time of the determination: No test item precipitate was observed on the plates at any of the doses tested in either the presence or absence of metabolic activation (S9-mix).
- Other confounding effects:
Prior to use, the relevant strains were checked for characteristics (deep rough character, ampicillin resistance, UV light sensitivity and histidine or tryptophan auxotrophy), viability and spontaneous reversion rate (all were found to be satisfactory). The amino acid supplemented top agar and the S9-mix used in both experiments were shown to be sterile. The test item formulation was also shown to be sterile.

STUDY RESULTS
- Concurrent vehicle negative and positive control data: Results for the negative controls (spontaneous mutation rates) and viability were considered to be acceptable. The vehicle (sterile distilled water) control plates gave counts of revertant colonies within the historical control range of the lab in both the absence and presence of S9. All of the positive control chemicals used in the test induced marked increases in the frequency of revertant colonies, both with and without metabolic activation. All of the acceptability criteria were considered to be met. Thus, the sensitivity of the assay and the efficacy of the S9-mix were validated.

Ames test:
- Signs of toxicity: There was no visible reduction in the growth of the bacterial background lawn at any dose level, either in the presence or absence of metabolic activation (S9-mix) in Experiment 1 and 2.
- Results:
Experiment 1 (plate incorporation): There were no significant increases in the frequency of revertant colonies recorded for any of the bacterial strains, with any dose of the test item, either with or without metabolic activation (S9-mix).

Experiment 2 (preincubation): Small but statistically significant increases in TA98 revertant colony frequency were noted at 5000 µg/plate in the absence of S9. The increase at this dose level was in excess of two-fold (2.9x) when compared to the concurrent vehicle control. This response was also accompanied by individual colony counts marginally in excess of the historical untreated/vehicle control maxima of the lab for the strain. There were also smaller but statistically significant increases noted in TA1535 at 1500 and 5000 µg/plate dosed in the presence of S9. However, these increases did not achieve a 3-fold response over the concurrent vehicle control (2.2x) and the individual revertant colony counts were within the in-house historical control range for the tester strain. No significant increases in the frequency of revertant colonies were recorded for any of the remaining bacterial strains, with any dose of the test item, either with or without metabolic activation (S9-mix).

Experiment 3 (preincubation; confirmatory experiment): Small but statistically significant increases in TA98 revertant colony frequency were again noted at 5000 µg/plate in the absence of S9. The increase at this dose level was in excess of two-fold (3.4x) when compared to the concurrent vehicle control. This response was also accompanied by individual colony counts marginally in excess of the in-house historical untreated/vehicle control maxima for the strain. There were also smaller (not statistically significant) increases noted at 3000 and 4000 µg/plate.

See Tables 1 - 5 under Any other information on results incl. tables for individual plate counts & mean number of revertant colonies per plate and standard deviation.

HISTORICAL CONTROL DATA (with ranges, means and standard deviation, and the number of data)
- Positive historical control data (2018):
TA100, -S9: 220 - 1525, mean 606, SD 213.6, n = 306
TA100, +S9: 422 - 3928, mean 1726, SD 528.7, n = 300
TA1535, -S9: 74 - 2601, mean 653, SD 484.4, n = 272
TA1535, +S9: 113 - 481, mean 301, SD 57.2, n = 271
WP2uvrA, -S9: 111 - 1420, mean 706, SD 235.8, n = 254
WP2uvrA, +S9: 105 - 697, mean 230, SD 74.8, n = 251
TA98, -S9: 97 - 461, mean 212, SD 77.1, n = 292
TA98, +S9: 79 - 342, mean 158, SD 49.3, n = 292
TA1537, -S9: 86 - 833, mean 274, SD 150.4, n = 276
TA1535, +S9: 116 - 541, mean 294, SD 86.8, n = 272
- Positive historical control data (2019):
TA100, -S9: 205 - 2322, mean 622, SD 294.0, n = 239
TA100, +S9: 318 - 2561, mean 1381, SD 442.8, n = 234
TA1535, -S9: 69 - 4595, mean 790, SD 825.3, n = 230
TA1535, +S9: 112 - 1976, mean 268, SD 124.0, n = 230
WP2uvrA, -S9: 117 - 1391, mean 629, SD 245.6, n = 204
WP2uvrA, +S9: 99 - 790, mean 175, SD 70.8, n = 202
TA98, -S9: 92 - 477, mean 186, SD 71.4, n = 253
TA98, +S9: 88 - 719, mean 165, SD 75.5, n = 246
TA1537, -S9: 76 - 830, mean 266, SD 142.4, n = 230
TA1535, +S9: 109 - 1964, mean 232, SD 127.9, n = 224
- Negative (combined vehicle / untreated) historical control data (2018):
TA100, -S9: 67 - 170, mean 122, SD 18.8, n = 301
TA100, +S9: 64 - 187, mean 125, SD 21.5, n = 297
TA1535, -S9: 7 - 33, mean 17, SD 4.2, n = 542
TA1535, +S9: 9 - 28, mean 14, SD 3.1, n = 279
WP2uvrA, -S9: 11 - 44, mean 27, SD 5.3, n = 511
WP2uvrA, +S9: 20 - 53, mean 36, SD 6.2, n = 253
TA98, -S9: 11 - 41, mean 22, SD 4.5, n = 583
TA98, +S9: 15 - 50, mean 27, SD 5.1, n = 300
TA1537, -S9: 5 - 25, mean 12, SD 3.3, n = 550
TA1535, +S9: 3 - 22, mean 13, SD 3.2, n = 280
- Negative (combined vehicle / untreated) historical control data (2019):
TA100, -S9: 75 - 168, mean 116, SD 18.1, n = 240
TA100, +S9: 81 - 181, mean 122, SD 18.8, n = 234
TA1535, -S9: 9 - 38, mean 17, SD 4.8, n = 462
TA1535, +S9: 7 - 31, mean 14, SD 3.6, n = 237
WP2uvrA, -S9: 12 - 47, mean 25, SD 5.9, n = 410
WP2uvrA, +S9: 16 - 55, mean 32, SD 6.7, n = 205
TA98, -S9: 12 - 39, mean 23, SD 5.4, n = 508
TA98, +S9: 13 - 46, mean 28, SD 5.9, n = 249
TA1537, -S9: 4 - 25, mean 12, SD 3.4, n = 462
TA1535, +S9: 6 - 25, mean 13, SD 3.3, n = 227

Table 1: Results of Experiment 1 (plate incorporation) - without metabolic activation

Dose Level
Per Plate

Number of revertants (mean) +/- SD

TA100

TA1535

WP2uvrA

TA98

TA1537

Solvent Control
(Water)

115
127
116

(119)
6.7#

24
16
16

(19)
4.6

29
25
15

(23)
7.2

27
21
15

(21)
6.0

13
13
10

(12)
1.7

1.5 µg

135
151
142

(143)
8.0

16
17
27

(20)
6.1

21
20
31

(24)
6.1

13
16
26

(18)
6.8

8
14
20

(14)
6.0

5 µg

97
148
126

(124)
25.6

9
25
19

(18)
8.1

29
20
20

(23)
5.2

23
20
19

(21)
2.1

12
12
8

(11)
2.3

15 µg

116
154
102

(124)
26.9

17
25
17

(20)
4.6

19
17
18

(18)
1.0

32
32
20

(28)
6.9

10
16
13

(13)
3.0

50 µg

115
107
115

(112)
4.6

14
17
19

(17)
2.5

24
17
23

(21)
3.8

23
31
26

(27)
4.0

17
15
8

(13)
3.0

150 µg

129
111
127

(122)
9.9

25
14
13

(17)
6.7

21
13
25

(20)
6.1

28
30
29

(29)
1.0

14
11
10

(12)
2.1

500 µg

135
111
135

(127)
13.9

25
13
19

(19)
6.0

25
20
23

(23)
2.5

15
28
20

(21)
6.6

13
14
8

(12)
3.2

1500 µg

114
113
135

(121)
12.4

20
7
14

(14)
6.5

25
20
22

(22)
2.5

25
21
18

(21)
3.5

12
9
8

(10)
2.1

5000 µg

136
133
131

(133)
2.5

13
20
17

(17)
3.5

33
14
23

(23)
9.5

18
26
16

(20)
5.3

8
17
14

(13)
4.6

Positive controls -S9

Name

ENNG

ENNG

ENNG

4NQO

9AA

Dose Level

3 µg

5 µg

2 µg

0.2 µg

80 µg

No. of Revertants

492
464
511

(489)
23.6

194
245
285

(241)
45.6

555
513
471

(513)
42.0

154
102
105

(120)
29.2

147
101
108

(119)
24.8

ENNG:N-ethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

4NQO: 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide

9AA: 9-Aminoacridine

# Standard deviation

Table 2: Results of Experiment 1 (plate incorporation) - with metabolic activation

Dose Level
Per Plate

Number of revertants (mean) +/- SD

TA100

TA1535

WP2uvrA

TA98

TA1537

Solvent Control
(Water)

104
140
125

(123)
18.1#

16
11
12

(13)
2.6

30
29
23

(27)
3.8

31
23
28

(27)
4.0

10
11
14

(12)
2.1

1.5 µg

121
121
117

(120)
2.3

14
8
16

(13)
4.2

20
15
29

(21)
7.1

30
23
30

(28)
4.0

13
13
11

(12)
1.2

5 µg

138
129
122

(130)
8.0

6
12
10

(9)
3.1

32
24
19

(25)
6.6

24
23
17

(21)
3.8

12
12
12

(12)
0.0

15 µg

139
137
131

(136)
4.2

8
12
11

(10)
2.1

16
36
12

(21)
12.9

23
27
12

(21)
7.8

7
12
7

(9)
2.9

50 µg

127
135
135

(132)
4.6

13
11
8

(11)
2.5

27
28
24

(26)
2.1

22
15
21

(19)
3.8

6
7
11

(8)
2.6

150 µg

113
135
129

(126)
11.4

24
12
11

(16)
7.2

29
18
23

(23)
5.5

22
22
15

(20)
4.0

8
16
14

(13)
4.2

500 µg

121
123
118

(121)
2.5

19
14
13

(15)
3.2

28
25
25

(26)
1.7

13
15
17

(15)
2.0

16
13
11

(13)
2.5

1500 µg

140
121
134

(132)
9.7

17
16
18

(17)
1.0

27
22
26

(25)
2.6

17
22
23

(21)
3.2

17
12
11

(13)
3.2

5000 µg

159
176
138

(158)
19.0

19
21
14

(18)
3.6

30
26
32

(29)
3.1
*

18
22
24

(21)
3.1

14
14
14

(14)
0.0

Positive controls +S9

Name

2AA

2AA

2AA

BP

2AA

Dose Level

1 µg

2 µg

10 µg

5 µg

2 µg

No. of Revertants

1919
1763
1846

(1843)
78.1

321
311
299

(310)
11.0

200
206
208

(205)
4.2

152
104
137

(131)
24.6

135
183
195

(171)
31.7

BP: Benzo(a)pyrene

2AA: 2 -Aminoanthracene

# Standard deviation

Table 3: Results of Experiment 2 (preincubation) - without metabolic activation

Dose Level
Per Plate

Number of revertants (mean) +/- SD

TA100

TA1535

WP2uvrA

TA98

TA1537

Solvent Control
(Water)

114
130
138

(127)
12.2#

14
23
20

(19)
4.6

21
31
35

(29)
7.2

19
19
23

(20)
2.3

12
15
12

(13)
1.7

15 µg

151
153
129

(144)
13.3

15
10
21

(15)
5.5

22
22
21

(22)
0.6

25
13
19

(19)
6.0

15
10
15

(13)
2.9

50 µg

125
115
128

(123)
6.8

11
27
10

(16)
9.5

27
31
26

(28)
2.6

19
16
27

(21)
5.7

11
7
13

(10)
3.1

150 µg

116
152
109

(126)
23.1

8
16
18

(14)
5.3

16
17
11

(15)
3.2

24
16
19

(20)
4.0

21
14
14

(16)
4.0

500 µg

140
102
129

(124)
19.6

9
15
13

(12)
3.1

35
30
37

(34)
3.6

10
14
19

(14)
4.5

3
9
7

(6)
3.1

1500 µg

137
122
116

(125)
10.8

18
11
10

(13)
4.4

27
31
39

(32)
6.1

14
20
20

(18)
3.5

9
12
7

(9)
2.5

5000 µg

174
118
161

(151)
29.3

24
26
9

(20)
9.3

28
46
37

(37)
9.0

52
44
75

(57)
16.1
***

11
9
6

(9)
2.5

Positive controls -S9

Name

ENNG

ENNG

ENNG

4NQO

9AA

Dose Level

3 µg

5 µg

2 µg

0.2 µg

80 µg

No. of Revertants

540
540
592

(557)
30.0

234
229
325

(263)
54.0

424
353
369

(382)
37.2

189
144
189

(174)
26.0

302
428
479

(403)
91.1

ENNG:N-ethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

4NQO: 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide

9AA: 9-Aminoacridine

*** p≤0.001

# Standard deviation

Table 4: Results of Experiment 2 (preincubation) - with metabolic activation

Dose Level
Per Plate

Number of revertants (mean) +/- SD

TA100

TA1535

WP2uvrA

TA98

TA1537

Solvent Control
(Water)

114
120
134

(123)
10.3#

11
10
9

(10)
1.0

41
36
36

(38)
2.9

21
26
24

(24)
2.5

9
13
9

(10)
2.3

15 µg

140
111
125

(125)
14.5

10
8
9

(9)
1.0

26
36
26

(29)
5.8

37
29
27

(31)
5.3

14
10
10

(11)
2.3

50 µg

114
129
127

(123)
8.1

4
13
9

(9)
4.5

30
31
31

(31)
0.6

31
17
20

(23)
7.4

9
16
9

(11)
4.0

150 µg

100
121
129

(117)
15.0

14
8
8

(10)
3.5

30
30
35

(32)
2.9

24
27
19

(23)
4.0

13
10
7

(10)
3.0

500 µg

121
124
126

(124)
2.5

15
8
10

(11)
3.6

47
45
39

(44)
4.2

26
22
35

(28)
6.7

14
13
13

(13)
0.6

1500 µg

121
144
120

(128)
13.6

21
18
20

(20)
1.5
*

41
33
40

(38)
4.4

21
26
25

(24)
2.6

7
8
6

(7)
1.0

5000 µg

151
109
97

(119)
28.4

23
27
17

(22)
5.0
**

37
46
44

(42)
4.7

28
34
30

(31)
3.1

6
10
17

(11)
5.6

Positive controls +S9

Name

2AA

2AA

2AA

BP

2AA

Dose Level

1 µg

2 µg

10 µg

5 µg

2 µg

No. of Revertants

1427
1401
1356

(1395)
35.9

232
251
239

(241)
9.6

140
159
173

(157)
16.6

136
188
136

(153)
30.0

227
200
193

(207)
18.0

BP: Benzo(a)pyrene

2AA: 2 -Aminoanthracene

* p≤0.05

** p≤0.01

# Standard deviation

Table 5: Results of Experiment 3 (preincubation; confirmatory experiment) - without metabolic activation

Dose Level
Per Plate

Number of revertants (mean) +/- SD

TA98

Solvent Control
(Water)

20
22
26

(23)
3.1#

500 µg

16
20
17

(18)
2.1

1500 µg

19
20
17

(19)
1.5

3000 µg

35
38
29

(34)
4.6

4000 µg

34
36
41

(37)
3.6

5000 µg

59
67
109

(78)
26.9
***

Positive controls -S9

Name

4NQO

Dose Level

0.2 µg

No. of Revertants

267
224
183

(225)
42.0

4NQO: 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide

*** p≤0.001

# Standard deviation

Conclusions:
positive with metabolic activation

Amines, polyethylenepoly (PEPA) was considered to be weakly mutagenic in the Ames assay under the conditions and according to the criteria of the test protocol.
Executive summary:

In the reverse mutation assay ‘Ames Test’ using strains of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli according to OECD TG 471 the test item Amines, polyethylenepoly (PEPA) induced a
small but reproducible dose-related and statistically significant increase in the frequency of TA98 revertant colonies that met the criteria for a positive result, without metabolic activation (S9-mix) employing a 20 minute pre-incubation at 37 °C. Under the conditions of this test Amines, polyethylenepoly (PEPA) was considered to be weakly mutagenic.

Endpoint:
in vitro cytogenicity / micronucleus study
Remarks:
DRAFT results
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
28 August 2020 - 10 November 2020
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
guideline study
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 487 (In vitro Mammalian Cell Micronucleus Test)
Version / remarks:
adopted 29 July 2016
Deviations:
yes
Remarks:
24-hour exposure: incubation for further 24 h with Cytochalasin B after the 24 h treatment
GLP compliance:
yes
Type of assay:
in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test
Target gene:
not applicable
Species / strain / cell type:
lymphocytes: human
Details on mammalian cell type (if applicable):
CELLS USED
- Type and source of cells: human lymphocytes
- Suitability of cells: Human peripheral blood lymphocytes are recognized in the OECD 487 guideline as being a suitable cell line for the in vitro Mammalian Cell Micronucleus Test.

- Normal cell cycle time (negative control): Average generation time (AGT) for human lymphocytes is considered to be approximately 16 hours; therefore, using this average the exposure time for the experiments for 1.5 x AGT is 24 hours;

For lymphocytes:
- Sex, age and number of blood donors: non smoking volunteer (18 - 35 years of age), who had been previously screened for suitability (had not knowingly been exposed to high levels of radiation or hazardous chemicals, had not knowingly recently suffered from a viral infection); details of the donors: Preliminary Toxicity Test: female, aged 35 years; Main Experiment: female, aged 24 years; Main Experiment Repeat: male, aged 30 years;
- Whether whole blood or separated lymphocytes were used: For each experiment, sufficient whole blood was drawn from the peripheral circulation.
- Whether blood from different donors were pooled or not: no different donors;
- Mitogen used for lymphocytes: phytohaemagglutinin (PHA);

MEDIA USED
- Culture conditions: Cells (whole blood cultures) were grown in Eagle's minimal essential medium (MEM) with HEPES buffer (MEM), supplemented with L-glutamine, penicillin/streptomycin, amphotericin B and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), at approximately 37 ºC with 5% CO2 in humidified air. The lymphocytes of fresh heparinized whole blood were stimulated to divide by the addition of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA).
Additional strain / cell type characteristics:
not applicable
Cytokinesis block (if used):
yes (Cytochalasin B at a final concentration of 4.5 µg/mL)
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Metabolic activation system:
Type and composition of metabolic activation system: Phenobarbitone / β-Naphthoflavone induced S9 Microsomal fractions (Sprague-Dawley);
- source of S9: purchased from Moltox; Lot No. 4222 (expiry date of 12 March 2022); the protein level was adjusted to 20 mg/mL;
- method of preparation of S9 mix: The S9-mix was prepared prior to the dosing of the test cultures and contained the S9 fraction (20% (v/v)), MgCl2 (8 mM), KCl (33 mM), sodium orthophosphate buffer pH 7.4 (100 mM), glucose-6-phosphate (5 mM) and NADP (5 mM).
- concentration or volume of S9 mix and S9 in the final culture medium: The final concentration of S9, when dosed at a 10% volume of S9-mix into culture media, was 2%.
- quality controls of S9: The S9 was pre-tested for acceptability by the supplier prior to purchase and was supplied with a relevant “Quality Control & Production Certificate”.
Test concentrations with justification for top dose:
- 4 h / -S9: 00*, 58.75, 117.5, 235, 470*, 940*, 1880* µg/mL
- 4 h / +S9: 0*, 58.75, 117.5, 235, 470*, 940*, 1880* µg/mL
- 24 h / -S9: 0*, 14.69, 29.38, 58.75*, 88.13*, 117.5, 176.25*, 235 µg/mL

(*Dose levels selected for evaluation of micronucleus frequency in binucleate cells)

The test item was a UVCB and therefore the maximum recommended dose according to OECD TG 487was initially set at 5000 µg/mL The osmolality did not increase by more than 50 mOsm when the test item was dosed into media. However, marked increases in pH of greater than 1 pH unit were observed at and above 2500 µg/mL when the test item was dosed into media and, therefore, the maximum concentration tested was limited to 1880 µg/mL due to pH (see also Table 1 under Any other information on results incl. tables for the results of the pH and osmolality readings). This is considered to be in compliance with the OECD TG 487, which states that concentrations which have the capability of producing artefactual results such as a marked change in pH should be avoided.
Vehicle / solvent:
- Vehicle(s)/solvent(s) used: culture medium (MEM)

- Justification for choice of solvent/vehicle:
The test item was miscible in Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) at 50 mg/mL and at 500 mg/mL in DMSO in solubility checks. MEM was therefore selected as the preferred solvent.

Prior to each experiment, the test item was accurately weighed, formulated in MEM medium, and serial dilutions prepared. A correction for the purity of the test item was not applied to the formulations.The test item was formulated within two hours of it being applied to the test system; it is assumed that the test item formulation was stable for this duration. No analysis was conducted to determine the homogeneity, concentration or stability of the test item formulation.
Untreated negative controls:
no
Negative solvent / vehicle controls:
yes
Remarks:
MEM
True negative controls:
no
Positive controls:
yes
Positive control substance:
cyclophosphamide
mitomycin C
other: Demecolcine / -S9: 0.075 µg/mL in sterile distilled water for 24-hour exposure
Details on test system and experimental conditions:
NUMBER OF REPLICATIONS:
- Number of cultures per concentration: duplicate lymphocyte cultures (A and B), (quadruplicate for the solvent) were established for each dose level;
- Number of independent experiments: 1

METHOD OF TREATMENT/ EXPOSURE:
Lymphocyte cultures were established for each dose level, by mixing the following components, giving, when dispensed into sterile plastic flasks for each culture:
8.4 - 9.1 mL MEM, 10% (FBS)
0.1 mL Li-heparin
0.1 mL phytohaemagglutinin
0.4 - 0.7 mL heparinized whole blood
- 4-hour exposure: After 44 - 48 hours incubation at approximately 37 ºC, 5% CO2 in humidified air, the cultures were transferred to tubes and centrifuged. Approximately 9 mL of the culture medium was removed, reserved, and replaced with the required volume of MEM (including serum) and 1.0 mL of the appropriate solution of solvent control or test item was added to each culture. For the positive control, 0.1 mL of the appropriate solution was added to the cultures. For the experiments with metabolic activation, 1.0 mL of 20% S9-mix (i.e. 2% final concentration of S9 in standard co factors) was added to the cultures of the Preliminary Toxicity Test and the Main Experiment. The nominal total volume of each culture was 10 mL All cultures were then returned to the incubator.
- 24-hour exposure: The exposure was continuous for 24 hours in the absence of metabolic activation. Therefore, when the cultures were established the culture volume was a nominal 9 mL. After approximately 48 hours incubation the cultures were removed from the incubator and dosed with 1.0 mL of solvent control, test item dose solution or 0.1 mL of positive control solution. The nominal total volume of each culture was 10 mL.

TREATMENT AND HARVEST SCHEDULE:
- Exposure duration/duration of treatment: 4 h (- / +S9), 24 h
- Harvest time after the end of treatment (sampling/recovery times):
- 4-hour exposure: After the exosure at approximately 37 ºC, the cultures were centrifuged, the treatment medium removed by suction and replaced with an 8 mL wash of MEM culture medium. After a further centrifugation the wash medium was removed by suction and replaced with the reserved original culture medium, supplemented with Cytochalasin B, at a final concentration of 4.5 µg/mL, and then incubated for a further 24 hours before the harvest of the cells.

- 24-hour exposure: After exposure for 24 h, the tubes and the cells were washed in MEM before resuspension in fresh MEM with serum. At this point Cytochalasin B was added at a final concentration of 4.5 µg/mL, and then the cells were incubated for a further 24 hours before the harvest of the cells. The extended exposure detailed above is a modification of the suggested cell treatment schedule in the OECD TG 487 and is considered to be an acceptable alternative. This is because it avoids any potential interaction between Cytochalasin B and the test item during exposure to the cells and any effect this may have on the activity or response. Additionally, as the stability or reactivity of the test item was unknown prior to the start of the study this modification of the schedule was considered more effective and reproducible due to the observations on human lymphocytes in the lab and their particular growth characteristics in this study type and also the significant laboratory historical control data using the above format.

At the end of the Cytochalasin B treatment period the cells were centrifuged, the culture medium was drawn off and discarded, and the cells resuspended in MEM. The cells were then treated with a mild hypotonic solution (0.0375 M KCl) before being fixed with fresh methanol/glacial acetic acid (19:1 v/v). The fixative was changed at least three times and the cells stored at approximately 4 ºC prior to slide making.

The lymphocytes were re-suspended in several mL of fresh fixative before centrifugation and re-suspension in a small amount of fixative. Several drops of this suspension were dropped onto clean, wet microscope slides and left to air dry with gentle warming. Each slide was permanently labeled with the appropriate identification data. When the slides were dry they were stained in 5% Giemsa for 5 minutes, rinsed, dried and a cover slip applied using mounting medium.

The slides were checked microscopically to determine the quality of the binucleate cells and also the toxicity and extent of precipitation, if any, of the test item. These observations were used to select the dose levels for CBPI evaluation.

FOR CHROMOSOME ABERRATION AND MICRONUCLEUS:
- Number of cells spread and analysed per concentration (number of replicate cultures and total number of cells scored):
1000 binucleated cells were analyzed per culture (2000 binucleated cells per concentration for the test item and positive control and 4000 binucleated cells for the solvent controls);
- Criteria for scoring micronucleated cells:
Cells with 1, 2 or more micronuclei were recorded and included in the total; the criteria for identifying micronuclei were that they were round or oval in shape, non refractile, not linked to the main nuclei and with a diameter that was approximately less than a third of the mean diameter of the main nucleii; binucleate cells were selected for scoring, if they had two nuclei of similar size with intact nuclear membranes situated in the same cytoplasmic boundary; the two nuclei could be attached by a fine nucleoplasmic bridge which was approximately no greater than one quarter of the nuclear diameter;


METHODS FOR MEASUREMENT OF CYTOTOXICITY
- Method: cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI)
- Any supplementary information relevant to cytotoxicity:
A minimum of approximately 500 cells per culture were scored for the incidence of mononucleate, binucleate and multinucleate cells and the CBPI value expressed as a percentage of the solvent controls. The CBPI indicates the number of cell cycles per cell during the period of exposure to Cytochalasin B. It was used to calculate cytostasis by the following formula:
% Cytostasis = 100 - 100{(CBPI(T) – 1) / (CBPI(C) – 1)}
Where:
CBPI = (No. mononucleated cells + (2 x No. binucleate cells) + (3 x No. multinucleate cells)) / Total number of cells


(T) = test chemical treatment culture
(C) = solvent control culture
Rationale for test conditions:
according to OECD TG 487 and modified when regarded as necessary
Evaluation criteria:
Providing that all of the acceptability criteria are fulfilled, a test item is considered to be clearly negative if, all of the experimental conditions examined:
1. None of the test concentrations exhibits a statistically significant increase compared with the concurrent negative control.
2. There is no dose-related increase when evaluated with an appropriate trend test.
3. The results in all evaluated dose groups are within the range of the laboratory historical control data.
The test item is then considered to be unable to induce chromosome breaks and/or gain or loss in this test system.

Providing that all of the acceptability criteria are fulfilled, a test item may be considered to be clearly positive, if in any of the experimental conditions examined, there is one or more of the following applicable:
1. At least one of the test concentrations exhibits a statistically significant increase compared with the concurrent negative control.
2. The increase is dose-related in at least one experimental condition when evaluated with an appropriate trend test.
3. The results are substantially outside the range of the laboratory historical negative control data.
When all the criteria are met, the test item is considered able to induce chromosome breaks and/or gain or loss in this test system.

There is no requirement for verification of a clear positive or negative response.
In case the response is neither clearly negative nor clearly positive or in order to assist in establishing the biological relevance of a result, the data should be evaluated by expert judgement and/or further investigations. Scoring additional cells (where appropriate) or performing a repeat experiment possibly using modified experimental conditions could be useful.
Statistics:
The frequency of binucleate cells with micronuclei was compared, with the concurrent solvent control value using the Chi-squared Test on observed numbers of cells with micronuclei. A toxicologically significant response was recorded when the p value calculated from the statistical analysis of the frequency of binucleate cells with micronuclei was less than 0.05 and there was a dose-related increase in the frequency of binucleate cells with micronuclei.
The dose-relationship (trend-test) was assessed using a linear regression model. An arcsin square-root transformation was applied to the percentage of binucleated cells containing micronuclei (excluding positive controls). A linear regression model was then applied to these transformed values with dose values fitted as the explanatory variable. The F-value from the model was assessed at the 5% statistical significance level.
Key result
Species / strain:
lymphocytes: human
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Genotoxicity:
negative
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
cytotoxicity
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
not examined
True negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Additional information on results:
TEST-SPECIFIC CONFOUNDING FACTORS
- Data on pH: Marked increases in pH of greater than 1 pH unit were observed at and above 2500 µg/mL. Therefore, the maximum dose level for the 4-h exposure duration groups with and without metabolic activation in the preliminary toxicity test was limited to 1875 µg/mL and for the main experiment to 1880 µg/mL due to pH (please see also Table 1 under Any other information on results incl. tables for further details). This is considered to be in compliance with the OECD 487 Guideline which states that concentrations which have the capability of producing artefactual results such as a marked change in pH should be avoided.
- Data on osmolality: The osmolality did not increase by more than 50 mOsm when the test item was dosed into media (please see also Table 1 under Any other information on results incl. tables for further details).
- Water solubility: The test item was miscible in Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) at 50 mg/mL, and at 500 mg/mL in DMSO in solubility checks. MEM was therefore chosen as it was the preferred solvent. Thus, the test substance is regarded as water soluble.
- Precipitation and time of the determination: No precipitate of the test item was observed either in the preliminary toxicity test or in the main experiment.

RANGE-FINDING/SCREENING STUDIES:
The preliminary toxicity test was performed using the exposure conditions as described for the main experiment but using single cultures for the test item dose levels and duplicate cultures for the solvent controls. The used exposure groups are the same as described for the main experiment (4-hour exposure - / +S9 & 24-hour exposure -S9; all followed by a 24-hour incubation period with treatment-free media, in the presence of CytB, prior to the cell harvest). The dose levels used were 0, 7.32, 14.65, 29.30, 58.59, 117.19, 234.38, 468.75, 937.5, and 1875 µg/mL (the maximum dose was considered to be the maximum practical dose level due to marked increases in pH). Parallel flasks, containing culture medium without whole blood, were established for the three exposure conditions so that test item precipitate observations could be made. Precipitate observations were recorded at the beginning and end of the exposure periods. Using a qualitative microscopic evaluation of the microscope slide preparations from each treatment culture, appropriate dose levels were selected for the evaluation of the frequency of binucleate cells and to calculate the cytokinesis block proliferation index (CBPI). Coded slides were evaluated for the CBPI. The CBPI data were used to estimate test item toxicity and for selection of the dose levels for the exposure groups of the main experiment. Microscopic assessment of the slides prepared from the exposed cultures showed that binucleate cells were present up to 937.5 µg/mL in all three of the exposure groups. The test item induced evidence of toxicity in the 24-hour exposure group only (≥ 50% cytostasis at 117.19 µg/mL and above). The dose levels used in the main experiment were selected using data from this preliminary toxicity test where the results indicated that the maximum concentration should be the maximum practical concentration, i.e. 1875 µg/mL, due to increases in pH in the 4-hour exposure groups with and without metabolic activation, and limited by test item-induced toxicity in the 24-hour exposure group in the absence of S9, i.e. 117.19 µg/mL No hemolysis was observed.

STUDY RESULTS
(DRAFT results; please see also Table 2 under Any other information on results incl. tables for further details).
- Concurrent vehicle negative and positive control data: In the absence of S9 the solvent control cultures had frequencies of cells with micronuclei within the expected range and were considered acceptable for addition to the laboratory historical negative control data range. In the presence of S9 the solvent control cultures had micronuclei frequency that were out of the range of the laboratories historical control data. Therefore, the 4-hour exposure group in the presence of S9 was repeated (under the same conditions alreadydescribed) and no data were reported from the initial experiment. In the repeated experiment the solvent control cultures had frequencies of cells with micronuclei within the expected range and were considered acceptable for addition to the laboratory historical negative control data range. The positive control items induced statistically significant increases in the frequency of cells with micronuclei with responses that were compatible with those in the laboratory historical positive control data range. The cytotoxicity achieved by the positive control for the 24 hour exposure group (positive control: Demecolcine) displayed toxicity that marginally exceeded the limits of acceptability recommended in the OECD 487 guideline with 65% cytostasis, however it demonstrated an adequate positive response and is thought to have no impact on the integrity of the study. Thus, the sensitivity of the assay was validated.

Micronucleus test in mammalian cells:
- Results from cytotoxicity measurements:
The qualitative assessment of the slides determined that the toxicity observed in the 24-hour exposure group was similar to that observed in the preliminary toxicity test and that there were binucleate cells suitable for scoring at the maximum dose level in all three of the exposure groups. The CBPI data confirm the qualitative observations that no dose-related toxicity was observed in the 4-hour exposure groups in the absence or presence of S9. In the 24-hour exposure group in the absence of S9, dose-related toxicity was observed and optimum toxicity was achieved with cytostasis in the required 55 ± 5% range at 176.25 µg/mL (57%). The maximum dose level selected for scoring of micronuclei in the binucleate cells was therefore 1880 µgmL in the 4-hour exposure groups in both the absence and presence of S9 and 176.25 µg/mLin the 24-hour exposure group in the absence of S9.

- Genotoxicity results: In the 4-hour exposure group in the absence and in the presence of S9, the test item did not induce any statistically significant increases in the frequency of binucleate cells with micronuclei, all values were within the 95% control limits of the historical control data, and no concentration-dependent trend was observed. In the 24-hour exposure group in the absence of S9, a statistically significant increase in the frequency of binucleate cells with micronuclei was observed at 176.25 µg/mL. However, all values were within the 95% control limits of the historical control data, and no concentration-dependent trend was observed when evaluated with a trend test. The response was therefore considered to be spurious and of no toxicological significance.

HISTORICAL CONTROL DATA (with ranges, means and standard deviation, and 95% control limits for the distribution as well as the number of data)
- Positive historical control data (% binucleated cells with micronuclei):
- 4 h / -S9 (MMC): 1.75 - 6.80; mean: 3.71; SD: 1.25; 95% control limits: 1.21 - 6.21; n = 40;
- 4 h / +S9: 1.30 - 3.90; mean: 2.18; SD: 0.61; 95% control limits: 0.96 - 3.40; n = 40;
- 24 h / -S9: 2.00 - 10.65; mean: 4.31; SD: 1.75; 95% control limits: 0.81 - 7.81; n = 40;
- Negative (solvent/vehicle) historical control data (% binucleated cells with micronuclei):
- 4 h / -S9: 0.13 - 0.78; mean: 0.40; SD: 0.16; 95% control limits: 0.08 - 0.72; n = 40;
- 4 h / +S9: 0.13 - 1.05; mean: 0.39; SD: 0.21; 95% control limits: 0.00 - 0.81; n = 40;
- 24 h / -S9: 0.03 - 1.00; mean: 0.35; SD: 0.17; 95% control limits: 0.01 - 0.69; n = 40;

Table 1: pH and osmolality readings

Dose Level (µg/mL)

0

19.53

39.06

78.13

156.25

312.5

625

1250

1875

2500

5000

pH

7.46

7.48

7.48

7.51

7.57

7.67

7.86

8.27

8.47

9.06

9.67

Osmolality

320

316

318

314

317

319

317

316

316

316

324

Table 2: Results of the main experiment

Exposure Condition

Treatment/ Concentration (μg/mL)

Replicate

CBPI

Mean CBPI

Mean Cytostasis (%)

Binucleated cells containing micronucleia

%

Mean

p-valueb

Trend testp-valuec

4-hour -S9

Vehicle (MEM)

A1
A2
B1
B2

1.68
1.64
1.70
1.74

1.69

0

0.30
0.30
0.80
0.70

0.53

/

0.198

235

A
B

1.60
1.64

1.62

10

/

/

/

470

A
B

1.61
1.70

1.66

5

0.60
0.90

0.75

/

940

A
B

1.62
1.70

1.66

5

1.00
0.60

0.80

0.1996

1880

A
B

1.72
1.49

1.61

12

0.60
1.00

0.80

0.1996

MMC 0.2

A
B

1.48
1.48

1.48

30

3.40
3.70

3.55

2.485E-19***

/

4-hour +S9

Vehicle (MEM)

A1
A2
B1
B2

1.59
1.65
1.69
1.72

1.66

0

0.40
0.40
0.30
0.60

0.43

/

0.544

235

A
B

1.66
1.60

1.63

5

/

/

/

470

A
B

1.60
1.53

1.57

15

0.30
0.20

0.25

/

940

A
B

1.61
1.59

1.60

9

0.60
0.20

0.40

/

1880

A
B

1.61
1.55

1.58

12

0.70
0.70

0.70

0.1613

CP 5

A
B

1.41
1.41

1.41

38

2.80
2.60

2.70

1.565E-14***

/

24-hour -S9

Vehicle (MEM)

A1
A2
B1
B2

1.79
1.86
1.79
1.79

1.81

0

0.20
0.30
0.20
0.10

0.20

/

0.380

58.75

A
B

1.61
1.62

1.62

24

0.00
0.20

0.10

/

88.13

A
B

1.71
1.62

1.67

18

0.20
0.10

0.15

/

117.5

A
B

1.56
1.52

1.54

33

1.00
0.10

0.55

0.023*

176.25

A
B

1.30
1.39

1.35

57

/

/

/

/

235

A
B

1.32
1.29

1.31

62

/

/

/

/

DC 0.075

A
B

1.26
1.30

1.28

65

5.20
3.90

4.55

1.103E-35***

/

MMC Mitomycin C

CP Cyclophosphamide

DC Demecolcine

MEM Minimal Essential Medium

aThe percentage of micronucleated cells determined in a sample of 2000 binucleate cells (4000 for solvent)

bp-values are for comparison with the control using Chi-square test

cTrend test p-values using Linear regression model applied to control and test item concentrations

* P<0.05

*** P<0.001

Conclusions:
negative - DRAFT results
Executive summary:

The test item, Amines, polyethylenepoly (PEPA), did not induce any toxicologically significant increases in the frequency of binucleate cells with micronuclei in any of the three exposure groups, in either the absence or presence of a metabolizing system. The test item was therefore considered to be non-clastogenic and non-aneugenic to human lymphocytes in vitro under the described test conditions. Please consider, that the provided results are still draft results. Currently, there are further investigations ongoing with respect to the significant increases in pH of more than 1 pH unit that were observed at test concentrations of 2500 µg/mL and above. An update will be provided to the authority as soon as the final study report will be available.

Endpoint:
in vitro gene mutation study in bacteria
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Adequacy of study:
supporting study
Justification for type of information:
refer to analogue justification provided in IUCLID section 13
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Key result
Species / strain:
S. typhimurium, other: TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98 and TA 100
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Genotoxicity:
positive
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
not determined
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Key result
Species / strain:
S. typhimurium TA 1538
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Genotoxicity:
positive
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
not determined
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Conclusions:
Interpretation of results: positive with and without metabolic activation

The source substance Amines, polyethylenepoly-, triethylenetetramine fraction was observed to have a positive potential to induce mutation in bacteria with and without metabolic activation and thus the source substance was considered to be mutagenic in vitro in bacteria. As explained in the analogue justification, it is considered that the target and the source substances are unlikely to lead to differences in genetic toxicity.
Endpoint:
in vitro gene mutation study in mammalian cells
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Adequacy of study:
key study
Justification for type of information:
refer to analogue justification provided in IUCLID section 13
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Species / strain:
Chinese hamster Ovary (CHO)
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Genotoxicity:
positive
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
cytotoxicity
Remarks:
without S9 >20 x 10E-2%
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Conclusions:
Interpretation of results: positive

The source substance Amines, polyethylenepoly-, triethylenetetramine fraction produced a statistically significant increase in the frequency of mutations of CHO cells at several concentrations between 80 x 10E-2% to 2.5 x 10E-2% (by volume) in tests with and without the incorporation of a liver S9 metabolic activation system. The lack of a definite dose-related effect of treatment suggested that the alkaline effect of the test agent may have interfered with the tests. With S9 metabolic activation, the acidic S9 liver homogenate may have somewhat buffered the alkaline effect and a dose related trend in the mutation index was observed for treatments between 10 x 10E-2% and 40 x 10E-2%. As explained in the analogue justification, it is considered that the target and the source substances are unlikely to lead to differences in genetic toxicity.
Endpoint:
in vitro DNA damage and/or repair study
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Remarks:
Summary of available data used for the endpoint assessment of the target substance
Adequacy of study:
weight of evidence
Justification for type of information:
refer to analogue justification provided in IUCLID section 13
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Species / strain:
Chinese hamster Ovary (CHO)
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Genotoxicity:
positive
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
cytotoxicity
Remarks:
without S9 >20 x 10E-2%
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Species / strain:
Chinese hamster Ovary (CHO)
Metabolic activation:
without
Genotoxicity:
positive
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
no cytotoxicity
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Species / strain:
Chinese hamster Ovary (CHO)
Metabolic activation:
with
Genotoxicity:
negative
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
no cytotoxicity
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Species / strain:
Chinese hamster Ovary (CHO)
Metabolic activation:
with and without
Genotoxicity:
positive
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
cytotoxicity
Remarks:
with S9 >40 x 10E-2% without S9 >30 x 10E-2% after 5 hour treatment
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Conclusions:
Interpretation of results: positive

The source substance TETA produced a statistically significant and dose-related increase in the frequency of SCE in CHO cells in several tests with and without the incorporation of an S9 metabolic activation system. Thus, the source substance was an active mutagenic agent in the production of SCE in CHO cells. As explained in the analogue justification, it is considered that the target and the source substances are unlikely to lead to differences in genetic toxicity.
Endpoint:
in vitro DNA damage and/or repair study
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Remarks:
Summary of available data used for the endpoint assessment of the target substance
Adequacy of study:
weight of evidence
Justification for type of information:
refer to analogue justification provided in IUCLID section 13
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Species / strain:
hepatocytes: rat
Metabolic activation:
not applicable
Genotoxicity:
positive
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
no cytotoxicity
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Species / strain:
hepatocytes: rat
Metabolic activation:
not applicable
Genotoxicity:
negative
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
cytotoxicity
Remarks:
> 10E-3 M
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Species / strain:
hepatocytes: rat
Metabolic activation:
not applicable
Genotoxicity:
negative
Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:
cytotoxicity
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Untreated negative controls validity:
valid
Positive controls validity:
valid
Conclusions:
Interpretation of results: positive
The source substance Amines, polyethylenepoly-, triethylenetetramine fraction produced statistically significant increases in the amount of UDS activity in evaluations of concentrations between 100 x to 10E-2% to 0.1 x 10E-2% (by volume). Amines, polyethylenepoly-, triethylenetetramine fraction was considered to be active in the present test with the hepatocyte test system and positive effects were observed in tests using both nuclei and DNA to detect increases in UDS. As explained in the analogue justification, it is considered that the target and the source substances are unlikely to lead to differences in genetic toxicity.
Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
adverse effect observed (positive)

Genetic toxicity in vivo

Description of key information

There are no in vivo genetic toxicity studies available for Polyethylenepolyamines (PEPA; CAS 68131-73-7). Reliable data from the structural analogue Amines, polyethylenepoly-, triethylenetetramine fraction were used. In three in vivo Micronucleus Tests no genotoxic potential of the source substance were seen. In a Drosophila SLRL test the source substance showed ambiguous results after feeding exposure and negative results after test substance injection.

Link to relevant study records

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
in vivo mammalian germ cell study: gene mutation
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Adequacy of study:
supporting study
Justification for type of information:
refer to analogue justification provided in IUCLID section 13
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Sex:
male
Genotoxicity:
ambiguous
Remarks:
after feeding exposure
Toxicity:
not examined
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
not examined
Remarks on result:
other:
Remarks:
CAS 112-24-3, Foureman, 1994
Sex:
male
Genotoxicity:
negative
Remarks:
after injection exposure
Toxicity:
not examined
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
not examined
Remarks on result:
other:
Remarks:
CAS 112-24-3, Foureman, 1994
Conclusions:
Interpretation of results: negative
As explained in the analogue justification, it is considered that the target and the source substances are unlikely to lead to differences in genetic toxicity.
Endpoint:
in vivo mammalian somatic cell study: cytogenicity / erythrocyte micronucleus
Type of information:
read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
Remarks:
Summary of available data used for the endpoint assessment of the target substance
Adequacy of study:
key study
Justification for type of information:
refer to analogue justification provided in IUCLID section 13
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
read-across source
No. of animals per sex per dose:
5
Key result
Sex:
male/female
Genotoxicity:
negative
Toxicity:
yes
Remarks:
No bone marrow toxicity was observed however at higher dose levels as administered in this test mortality occurs.
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Negative controls validity:
not examined
Positive controls validity:
valid
Remarks on result:
other:
Remarks:
CAS 112-24-3, Guzzie, 1987
Sex:
male/female
Genotoxicity:
negative
Toxicity:
no effects
Vehicle controls validity:
valid
Negative controls validity:
not applicable
Positive controls validity:
valid
Remarks on result:
other:
Remarks:
CAS 112-24-3, SanSebastian, 1992
Sex:
not specified
Genotoxicity:
negative
Toxicity:
not specified
Vehicle controls validity:
not specified
Negative controls validity:
not specified
Positive controls validity:
not specified
Remarks on result:
other:
Remarks:
CAS 112-24-3, Foureman, 1994
Conclusions:
Interpretation of results: negative
Test results from several studies showed that the source substance TETA was not an active agent in producing treatment-related increases in micronuclei in male and female Swiss-Webster mice. Relatively high dosage levels of TETA were evaluated no treatment-related clastogenic activity was observed. TETA was considered to be inactive as a clastogenic agent in vivo under the conditions of those micronucleus tests. As explained in the analogue justification, it is considered that the target and the source substances are unlikely to lead to differences in genetic toxicity.
Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no adverse effect observed (negative)

Additional information

There are no data available to completely evaluate the genetic toxicity with Polyethylenepolyamine (CAS 68131-73-7). In order to fulfil the standard information requirements set out in Annex VII-VIII, 8.4., in accordance with Annex XI, 1.5, of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, read-across from a structurally related substance was conducted. In accordance with Article 13 (1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, "information on intrinsic properties of substances may be generated by means other than tests, provided that the conditions set out in Annex XI are met.” In particular for human toxicity, information shall be generated whenever possible by means other than vertebrate animal tests, which includes the use of information from structurally related substances (grouping or read-across). Having regard to the general rules for grouping of substances and read-across approach laid down in Annex XI, Item 1.5, of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 whereby substances may be predicted as similar provided that their physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties are likely to be similar or follow a regular pattern as a result of structural similarity.

Triethylenetetramine linear, cyclic and branched = TETA (CAS 90640-67-8 or 112-24-3) is considered to be similar to polyethylenepolyamine (CAS 68131-73-7) on the basis of the structural similar properties and/or activities. Therefore, the available genetic toxicity data on the source substance TETA has been read-across to the target substance polyethylenepolyamine (CAS 68131-73-7). A detailed analogue approach justification is provided in the technical dossier (see IUCLID Section 13).

 

In vitro:

Gene mutation in bacteria:

Amines, polyethylenepoly (PEPA; CAS 68131-73-7) was tested in concentrations up to 5000 µg/plate with and without metabolic activation for potential mutagenic activity using the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) according to OECD guideline 471 and under GLP conditions (Covance, 2021; RL1). In Experiment 1 (plate incorporation method), there were no significant increases in the frequency of revertant colonies recorded for any of the bacterial strains (i.e. S. typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA 1535, TA1537 and E.coli WP2uvrA), with any dose of the test item, either with or without metabolic activation (S9-mix). In Experiment 2 (pre-incubation method), small but statistically significant increases in S. typhimurium TA98 revertant colony frequency were noted at 5000 µg/plate in the absence of S9. The increase at this dose level was in excess of two-fold (2.9x) when compared to the concurrent vehicle control. This response was also accompanied by individual colony counts marginally in excess of the historical untreated/vehicle control maxima of the lab for the strain. There were also smaller but statistically significant increases noted in S. typhimurium strain TA1535 at 1500 and 5000 µg/plate dosed in the presence of S9. However, these increases did not achieve a 3-fold response over the concurrent vehicle control (2.2x) and the individual revertant colony counts were within the historical control range for the tester strain. No significant increases in the frequency of revertant colonies were recorded for any of the remaining bacterial strains i.e. S. typhimurium TA1537, TA100 and E.coli WP2uvrA), with any dose of the test. In the confirmatory third experiment (pre-incubation method), small but statistically significant increases in S. typhimurium TA98 revertant colony frequency were again noted at 5000 µg/plate in the absence of S9. The increase at this dose level was in excess of two-fold (3.4x) when compared to the concurrent vehicle control. This response was also accompanied by individual colony counts marginally in excess of the historical untreated/vehicle control maxima for the strain. There were also smaller (not statistically significant) increases noted at 3000 and 4000 µg/plate. There was no visible reduction in the growth of the bacterial background lawn at any dose level, either in the presence or absence of metabolic activation and, no test item precipitate was observed on the plates at any of the doses tested in either the presence or absence of metabolic activation. Taken together, Amines, polyethylenepoly (PEPA) induced a small but reproducible dose-related and statistically significant increase in the frequency of S. typhimurium TA98 revertant colonies that met the criteria for a positive result, without metabolic activation employing the preincubation method. Under the conditions of this test Amines, polyethylenepoly (PEPA) was therefore considered to be weakly mutagenic under the conditions of the test.

In addition, the source substance Amines, polyethylenepoly-, triethylenetetramine fraction (TETA) was tested for potential mutagenic activity using the Salmonella/microsome bacterial mutagenicity assay (Ames test) similar to OECD guideline 471 (Stankowski, 1992). S.typhimurium strains TA 98, TA 100, TA 1535, TA 1537 and TA 1538 showed all dose-dependent increase in revertant frequencies compared to control with and without metabolic activation. Based on those results TETA is considered to induce gene mutation in bacteria. No increase (compared to the negative control cultures) in revertant frequencies was seen in strain TA1538. A dose-dependent increase in revertant frequencies to approx 1.9- to 13- fold of the control values, were observed in strain TA1538, TA1537, TA98 and TA100 without metabolic activation. Thus, TETA was considered to be mutagenic in this in vitro bacterial assay.

In vitro cytogenicity:

Amines, polyethylenepoly (PEPA) was tested for its clastogenic and aneugenic potential using the in vitro micronucleus test according to OECD guideline 487 and under GLP conditions (Covance, 2021; RL1; DRAFT). Duplicate cultures of human lymphocytes, treated with the test item, were evaluated for micronuclei in binucleate cells together with solvent and positive controls. Three exposure conditions in a single experiment were used for the study using a 4-hour exposure in the presence and absence of a standard metabolizing system (S9) at a 2% final concentration and a 24-hour exposure in the absence of metabolic activation. At the end of the exposure period, the cell cultures were washed and then incubated for a further 24 h in the presence of Cytochalasin B. The dose levels selected for the Main Experiment were as follows: 0*, 58.75, 117.5, 235, 470*, 940*, 1880* µg/mL for the 4-hour exposure in the presence and absence of S9 and 0*, 14.69, 29.38, 58.75*, 88.13*, 117.5, 176.25*, 235 µg/mL for the 24-hour exposure in the absence of S9 (*Dose levels selected for evaluation of micronucleus frequency in binucleate cells). The maximum concentration selected for the 4-hour exposure groups in the absence and presence of S9 was 1880 µg/mL due to increases in pH in excess of 1 pH unit at higher dose levels. In addition, the maximum concentration selected for the 24-hour exposure group in the absence of S9 was 235 µg/mL due to test item-induced toxicity. The CBPI data indicated that no marked dose-related toxicity was observed in the 4-hour exposure groups in the absence or presence of S9. In the 24-hour exposure group in the absence of S9, dose-related toxicity was observed (cytostasis > 50% at 176.25 µg/mL and above). All solvent (Minimum Essential Medium (MEM)) controls had frequencies of cells with micronuclei within the range expected for normal human lymphocytes and were considered acceptable for addition to the laboratory historical negative control data range. Initially, the solvent control for the 4 hour exposure in the presence of S9 had large numbers of micronuclei which were outside of the laboratories historical control range and the 95% control limits, therefore this exposure group was repeated. The positive control items induced statistically significant increases in the frequency of cells with micronuclei with responses that are compatible with those in the laboratory historical positive control data range. Thus, the sensitivity of the assay and the efficacy of the S9-mix were validated. The 4 hour exposure group in the presence of S9 was repeated due to a high solvent control micronucleus frequency which was outside of the acceptable range of the historical solvent control data. No results from the original 4-hour exposure group in the presence of S9 were reported. In the 4-hour exposure groups in both the absence and presence of S9, the test item did not induce any statistically significant increases in the frequency of binucleate cells with micronuclei using a dose range that included the maximum practical dose. All values were within the 95% control limits of the historical control data, and no concentration-dependent trend was observed. In the 24-hour exposure group in the absence of S9, a statistically significant increase in the frequency of binucleate cells with micronuclei was observed at 176.25 µg/mL. However, all values were within the 95% control limits of the historical control data, and no concentration-dependent trend was observed when evaluated with a trend test. The response was therefore considered to be spurious and of no toxicological significance. The test item, Amines, polyethylenepoly (PEPA), was therefore considered to be non-clastogenic and non-aneugenic to human lymphocytes in vitro under the described test conditions. Please consider, that the provided results are still draft results. Currently, there are further discussions ongoing with respect to the significant increases in pH. An update will be provided to the authority as soon as the final study report will be available.

Gene mutation in mammalian cells:

A reliable study similar to OECD guideline 476 with the source substance TETA is available (Slesinski, 1981). Preliminary experiments were performed to select an appropriate range of test concentrations in which the maximum concentration would allow survival of a proximately 10% of the treated cells. A maximum concentration of 0.8% (by volume) was chosen for the highest dose-level and a total of seven concentrations of TETA were tested for mutation induction because a steep dose response was suggested from prescreening data. TETA produced a statistically significant increase in the frequency of mutations of CHO cells at several concentrations between 0.8% to 0.025% (by volume) in tests with and without the incorporation of a liver S9 metabolic activation system. The lack of a definite dose-related effect of treatment suggested that the alkaline effect of the test agent may have interfered with the tests. With S9 metabolic activation, the acidic S9 liver homogenate may have somewhat buffered the alkaline effect and a dose related trend in the mutation index was observed for treatments between 0.1% and 0.4%.

DNA damage/repair:

Three reliable studies are available similar to OECD 479 (in vitro sister chromatid exchange assay in mammalian cells (Slesinski 1981 and 1987). TETA produced a highly statistically significant and dose-related increase in the frequency of SCE in CHO cells in tests without the incorporation of a metabolic activation system. With metabolic activation, the frequency of SCE was decreased was found to be lower than without metabolic activation, but the highest dose level produced a highly statistically significant effect. An overall range of concentrations of 0.4% to 0.0125% (by volume) was used. The high frequency of SCE observed in the test without metabolic activation indicates that TETA is mutagenic in CHO cells. TETA- Sample A produced dose-related and statistically significant increases in SCEs in the test without addition of a rat-liver S9 metabolic activation system. With S9 activation, an inverse dose response relationship was observed and a significant response was obtained only at the lowest test concentration. The highest increases in SCEs above the combined solvent control values were approximately 1.4 fold without S9 and 1.3 fold with S9 activation. No remarkable degree of cell-cycle inhibition was produced by the test chemical by determination of the ratio of numbers of cells in the first and second cycle of division. The test chemical was considered to be a positive but weakly-active genotoxic agent in the SCE test system. Triethylenetetramine Raney Nickel Treated (TETA-RNT) produced a statistically significant and dose-related effect upon the frequency of SCE in CHO cells in tests both with and without the incorporation of an S9 metabolic activation system. An overall range of concentrations between 0.025% to 0.5% (by volume) was tested and the effects on the SCE frequency were determined with the highest five concentrations which allowed adequate cell division. The results indicated that TETA-RNT was an active agent in this test and should be considered a probable positive mutagenic agent for production of DNA damage in animal cells in culture.

In conclusion, TETA is considered to have a potential to induce DNA damage in mammalian cells.

Four reliable studies are available similar to OECD 482 (unscheduled DNA synthesis in mammalian cells, Slesinski 1981, Schumann, 1979, Pharmakon, 1992) with the source substance Amines, polyethylenepoly-, triethylenetetramine fraction (TETA). TETA produced statistically significant increases in the amount of UDS activity in evaluations of concentrations between 1% and 0.001% (by volume). TETA was considered to be active in the test with the hepatocyte test system and positive effects were observed in tests using both nuclei and DNA to detect increases in UDS. TETA-RNT produced slight increases in the amount of UDS activity in evaluations of concentrations between 1% and 0.001% (by volume). TETA-RNT was considered to be weakly active in the test with the hepatocyte test system because a majority of the UDS levels were significantly greater than historical negative control values for this test system. The genotoxic potential of product grade triethylenetetramine (TETA) and distilled-TETA was evaluated in the rat hepatocyte unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay (Schumann, 1979). Neither TETA nor distilled-TETA elicited significant UDS at concentrations of 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, 0.00001, 10E-5, 10E-6, 10E-7 or 10E-8 M. Alterations in the hepatocyte cultures indicative of toxicity were observed with both TETA and distilled-TETA at a concentration of 0.1M. The appearance of the cultures improved with decreasing concentrations of TETA and distilled-TETA so that cultures exposed to 10E-3 to 10E-8 appeared comparable to control cultures. The inability of TETA or distilled-TETA to elicit DNA repair over the wide spectrum of concentrations tested indicates a lack of genotoxicity under the conditions of the assay. An UDS test was carried out with TETA in rat hepatocytes (Pharmakon, 1990). Analysis of the data for the test substance did not produce mean net nuclear grain counts >= 5 at any of the doses scored. In addition, the percentage of hepatocytes in repair ranged from 4 -8%. The negative and positive control values were 13.5 +/- 11.1 and 22.8 +/- 12.8 with 4 and 92.7% hepatocytes in repair, respectively. These values were within the criteria for a valid test. Under the conditions of this assay, the test substance did not induce unscheduled DNA synthesis (repair) in rat primary hepatocytes at concentrations up to 200 µg/mL. In conclusion, TETA is considered to have a potential to induce unscheduled DNA synthesis (repair) in mammalian cells. 

In vivo:

A reliable study similar to OECD guideline 474 with the source substance TETA is available (Guzzie, 1987). TETA was evaluated for potential clastogenic (chromosome-damaging) activity with the in vivo micronucleus test system employing both male and female Swiss-Webster mice. Test doses for the micronucleus test were chosen from data obtained in a preliminary toxicity study with mice. Five doses of TETA ranging from 434 mg/kg bw to 900 mg/kg bw were administered as a single intraperitoneal (i .p.) injection. The LD50 dose was calculated from the cumulative mortality observed during a three day period after dosing. To select dose levels for the definitive micronucleus test, a combined LD50 value of approximately 740 mg/kg bw (651 to 877; 95% fiducial limits) was calculated by pooling the total number of deaths for males and females.

For the definitive micronucleus test, doses of 185 mg/kg bw, 370 mg/kg bw and 600 mg/kg bw were tested with both male and female Swiss-Webster mice. Concurrent positive (triethylenemelamine) and negative (water) control agents, administered by i.p, injection, were used to demonstrate the reliability and sensitivity of the micronucleus test system. Results from the micronucleus determination demonstrated that TETA did not produce positive or dose-related increases in the incidence of micronuclei in peripheral blood polychromatic erythrocytes of the test animals at any of the sample periods tested. Data from the positive and negative control groups of animals demonstrated the appropriate responses for the animals in the test system consistent with a valid test. The absence of positive effects of TETA upon the incidence of micronuclei indicates that TETA does not possess clastogenic activity in vivo under the conditions of the micronucleus test system.

Similar results were observed in a supporting study similar to OECD guideline 474 (SanSebastian, 1992). TETA was evaluated for potential clastogenic (chromosome-damaging) activity with the in vivo micronucleus test system employing both male and female CD-1 mice. In a preliminary test 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw were tested via the intraperitoneal route. Pharmacotoxic signs were observed in the 100 mg/kg bw group. Mortality occurred in the 250 mg/kg bw group (1/4). All animals but one, died within 2 hours post-dose in the 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw dose groups. Therefore, 150 mg/kg bw was selected as test dose for the main study. Concurrent positive (triethylenemelamine) and negative (water) control agents, administered by i.p, injection, were used to demonstrate the reliability and sensitivity of the micronucleus test system. Results from the micronucleus determination demonstrated that TETA did not produce an increase in the incidence of micronuclei in peripheral blood polychromatic erythrocytes of the test animals at any of the sample periods tested. Data from the positive and negative control groups of animals demonstrated the appropriate responses for the animals in the test system consistent with a valid test. The absence of positive effects of TETA upon the incidence of micronuclei indicates that TETA does not possess clastogenic activity in vivo under the conditions of the micronucleus test system.

Further, an in vivo micronucleus test was carried out with TETA in mice using the intraperitoneal route (at levels of 130, 190 and 250 mg/kg bw) or the oral route (at levels of 1500, 3000 and 6000 mg/kg bw) which was described just briefly in published literature (Heinz, 1981). TETA was not mutagenic in the micronucleus test in vivo using both the oral and ip route.

Fifty chemicals were tested for mutagenic activity in post-meiotic and meiotic germ cells of male Drosophila melanogaster using the sexlinked recessive lethal (SLRL) assay among those also TETA (Foureman, 1994). As in the previous studies in this series, feeding was chosen as the first route of administration. If the compound failed to induce mutations by this route, injection exposure was used. Those chemicals that were mutagenic in the sex-linked recessive lethal assay were further tested for the ability to induce reciprocal translocations. Eleven of the 50 chemicals tested were mutagenic in the SLRL assay. TETA was ambiguous after feeding and negative after injection.

In conclusion, based on the above results of the miscellaneous genotoxicity with the structural analogue substance TETA (CAS 90640 -67 -8) evidence is available to conclude that TETA and also the registered substance Polyethylenepolyamine (CAS 68131-73-7) are not mutagenic in vivo. However, according to ECHA CCH-D-2114482145-49-01/F it cannot be finally concluded which material was indeed tested in the available in vivo studies, the source substance Amines, polyethylenepoly-, triethylenetetramine fraction (CAS 90640-67-8) itself or the main constituent N,N'-bis(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (CAS 112-24-3). Therefore, and to address the positive results obtained in the bacterial reverse mutation assay with Amines, polyethylenepoly-, tetraethylenepentamine fraction (CAS 90640-66-7; key, Covance, 2021) a testing proposal for an in vivo genotoxicity study addressing gene mutation in somatic cells is included in the dossier. The final decision for the adequate in vivo follow-up test is not yet clear as currently, there are further investigations ongoing with respect to in vitro cytogenicity and also repeated dose toxicity. According to the CCH decision of ECHA (CCH-D-2114482139-42-01/F) a repeated dose oral toxicity study with the registered substance according to OECD 408 was requested by ECHA. This study is still in progress. Before a final conclusion on an adequate follow-up of a positive in vitro result can be drawn, not only the results from the in vitro testing should be reviewed, but also other relevant data on the substance (e.g. toxicokinetics, target organ specifity). Therefore, at least the in vitro micronucleus test should be finalised to see, if only mutagenicity should be addressed in vivo or also cytogenicity, also taking into consideration the 3Rs principle with respect to animal wellfare. To get information on (a) possible target tissue(s), the repeated dose oral toxicity study would be a good basis. Taken together, the final decison on the adequate in vivo follow-up gentotoxicity study is postponed until all relevant data necessary for the conclusion will be available.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Available data are not sufficient to draw a final conclusion on genetic toxicity of Polyethylenepolyamine (CAS 68131-73-7). Further data are necessary to conclude if classification according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 is required.