The efficiency to detect mutagenicity of the system using a specific locus mutation of Bombyx mori was examined and improved. In the system, mutagenicity could be detected by the egg colour manifested by the pe and/or re genes, which is a kind of recessive visible mutation of the insect. Among tested four mutagens, MMC had specially high sensitivity in the oocytes of silkworm and EMS had in the spermatozoa. PCB and dioxin showed a positive effect in both the oocytes and spermatozoa. In a consequence of sensitivity of mutagen by mating number of male moth of B. mori, treated mutagen, there was no difference between one mating - and three mating - male moth in sensitivity of mutagen. Sun3ho, B. mori variety, which showed high sensitivity to mutagens was improved in the major characteristics by crossing of C5 and N12.

The purpose of this work was to examine whether X-Y chromosome dissociation in the primary spermatocytes of mice could be used as an in vivo short-term assaying system that detect environmental mutagens. Four alkylating agents(EMS, MMS, MMC and MNNG) which were known as strong mutagens were administered to BALB/c male mice 3-4 months old. In the control group, the mean frequencies of previously dissociated X and Y chromosomes and autosomes were 7.17% and 2.12%, respectively. Compared to the control group, mutagen-treated groups have no significant differences in dissociation rate of autosomes, while these groups were about 1.2-2.5 times higher in the frequencies of X-Y dissociation. Generally, X-Y dissociation frequency increased consistently with the concentration of mutagens whereas the tendency of autosome dissociation frequency was variable among several mutagens. These results suggest that X-Y dissociation in the primary spermatocytes of mice is applicable as an in vivo short-term assaying system for environmental mutagens. There were significantly distinct increase in dissociation of X-Y chromosome in both the hybrid and parents but the X-Y previous dissociation of hybrid appeared higher frequency than BALB/c and wild mice. These results indicate that the factor related to binding X-Y chromosome is specific to strains.