Lithium bromide

Endpoint summary

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Genetic toxicity in vitro

Description of key information

Read-across from lithium hydroxide:
Lithium hydroxide was found to be non-mutagenic in three in vitro tests (AMES test, Chromosome aberration test, In vitro Mammalian Cell Gene Mutation Test). This can be regarded as reliable prediction for the genotoxic / mutagenic profile of lithium bromide, too (see also IUCLID section 13).

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

in vitro gene mutation study in bacteria

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

1999-11-25 to 2000-01-17

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:

July 1997

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes

Type of assay:

bacterial reverse mutation assay

Target gene:

The Salmonella typhimurium histidine (his) reversion system measures his- -> his+ reversions. The Salmonella typhimurium strains are constructed to differentiate between base pair (TA 1535, TA 100) and frameshift (TA 1537, TA 98) mutations. The Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA (trp) reversion system measures trp– -> trp+ reversions. The Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA detect mutagens that cause other base-pair substitutions (AT to GC).

Species / strain / cell type:

S. typhimurium TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98 and TA 100

Species / strain / cell type:

E. coli WP2 uvr A

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Metabolic activation system:

S9 Mix

Test concentrations with justification for top dose:

Lithium hydroxide was tested in concentrations of 3, 10, 33, 100, 333, 1000, 3330 and 5000 µg/plate with and without S9 mix.

Untreated negative controls:

yes

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

yes

True negative controls:

yes

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

sodium azide

Remarks:

TA 1535 without S9: NaN3

Positive control substance:

9-aminoacridine

Remarks:

TA 1537 without S9: 9AA

Positive control substance:

other: daunomycine (DA)

Remarks:

TA 98 without S9

Positive control substance:

methylmethanesulfonate

Remarks:

TA 100 without S9: MMS

Positive control substance:

4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide

Remarks:

WP2uvrA without S9

Positive control substance:

other: 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA)

Remarks:

TA 1537, TA 1535, TA 98, TA 100, E. coli WP2uvrA with S9

Details on test system and experimental conditions:

The test substance was dissolved in Milli-Q-water. The test substance was ground and the stock solution was filter(0.22 µm)-sterilized. Test substance concentrations were prepared directly prior to use.

Range finding study:
Lithium hydroxide was tested in the tester strains TA 100 and WP2uvrA with concentrations of 3, 10, 33, 100, 333, 1000, 3330 and 5000 µg/plate in the absence and in the presence of S9 mix.

Mutation assay:
Based on the results of the dose range finding study, lithium hydroxide was tested up to concentrations of 5000 µg/plate in the absence and in the presence of S9-mix in two mutation experiments. The first mutation experiment was performed with the strains TA 1535, TA 1537 and TA 98; the second mutation experiment was performed with the strains TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98, TA 100 and WP2uvrA.

Evaluation criteria:

A test substance is considered negative (not mutagenic) in the test if:
a) The total number of revertants in any tester strain at any concentration is not greater than two times the solvent control value, with or without metabolic activation.
b) The negative response should be reproducible in at least one independently repeated experiment.

A test substance is considered positive (mutagenic) in the test if:
a) It induces a number of revertant colonies, dose related, greater than two-times the number of revertants induced by the solvent control in any tester strains, either with or without metabolic activation.
However, any mean plate count of less than 20 is considered to be not significant.
b) The positive response should be reproducible in at least one independently repeated experiment.

Statistics:

Not indicated

Key result

Species / strain:

S. typhimurium, other: TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98 and TA 100

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Genotoxicity:

negative

Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:

no cytotoxicity

Vehicle controls validity:

valid

Untreated negative controls validity:

valid

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

Vehicle controls validity:

valid

Untreated negative controls validity:

valid

Positive controls validity:

valid

Additional information on results:

GENOTOXICITY:
Please refer to tables 1 and 2, which are presented under Sect. "Remarks on results including tables and figures"
- without metabolic activation: No increase in the number of revertants/plate observed
- with metabolic activation: No increase in the number of revertants/plate observed

CYTOTOXICITY:
No reduction of the bacterial background lawn was observed in all dose levels tested.

Remarks on result:

other: all strains/cell types tested

Experiment 1

Mutagenic response of lithium hydroxide in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay and the Escherichia coli reverse mutation assay:

Dose (µg/plate)	Mean number of revertant colonies/3 replicate plates (±SD) with different strains of Salmonella typhimurium and one Escherichia coli strain
	TA 1535	TA 1537	TA 98	TA 100	WP2uvrA
Without S9-mix
positive control	219±33	435±100	371±39	466±22	172±32
solvent control	12±6	7±3	16±3	65±2	9±2
3				77±13	12±3
10				72±7	11±3
33				79±8	8±2
100	12±1	7±5	18±3	74±8	12±3
333	15±1	7±1	16±4	65±7	7±3
1000	14±3	4±2	19±3	80±8	9±2
3330	11±3	8±3	12±4	77±13	5±2
5000	12±1	6±2	12±5	77±11	4±1
With S9-mix[1]
positive control	296±23	703±22	1346±230	1199±176	237±37
solvent control	14±6	6±2	26±3	90±10	11±3
3				96±4	12±3
10				99±5	12±4
33				95±9	9±3
100	11±3	6±3	31±4	78±11	12±2
333	15±1	4±1	27±9	101±5	10±1
1000	18±7	9±1	26±6	83±12	11±3
3330	15±6	5±1	25±3	86±14	7±4
5000	14±2	4±1	22±3	65±1	4±1

Solvent control: 0.1 ml Milli-Q water

[1]The S9-mix contained 5% (v/v) S9 fraction

Experiment 2

Mutagenic response of lithium hydroxide in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay and in the escherichia coli reverse mutation assay:

Dose (μg/plate)	Mean number of revertant colonies/3 replicate plates (±S.D.) with different strains of Salmonella typhimurium and one Escherichia coli strain
	TA 1535	TA 1537	TA 98	TA 100	WP2uvrA
Without S9-mix
positive control	195±2	287±105	642±125	608±24	696±16
solvent control	10±1	4±2	15±4	69±10	8±1
100	12±4	4±2	13±2	79±13	10±1
333	8±3	4±3	16±7	68±10	8±3
1000	12±5	5±2	15±2	70±7	11±2
3330	11±4	4±2	10±4	60±11	6±1
5000	7±1	5±2	11±3	64±8	7±3
With S9-mix[1]
positive control	203±14	367±45	551±25	709±131	70±8
solvent control	9±1	3±2	23±3	67±6	11±5
100	10±4	3±1	23±3	84±14	12±3
333	8±2	3±3	25±4	70±8	12±2
1000	9±4	6±3	22±6	68±11	7±2
3330	11±5	3±2	14±4	49±6	7±2
5000	5±3	3±2	13±2	54±8	3±1

Solvent control: 0.1 ml Milli-Q water

[1]The S9-mix contained 5% (v/v) S9 fraction

Conclusions:

Based on the results of this study it is concluded that lithium hydroxide is not mutagenic in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay and in the Escherichia coli reverse mutation assay.

Executive summary:

Lithium hydroxide was tested in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay according to OECD Guideline 471. The test was performed with four histidine-requiring strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 100 and TA 98) and in the Escherichia coli reverse mutation assay with a tryptophane-requiring strain of Escherichia coli WP2uvrA in two independent experiments. Lithium hydroxide was tested up to concentrations of 5000 µg/plate in the absence and presence of S9 -mix. Lithium hydroxide did not precipitate on the plates at this dose level. The bacterial background lawn was not reduced at all concentrations tested. Reduction in the number of revertants was observed in the tester strain TA 1535, TA 98, TA 100 and WP2uvrA. Lithium hydroxide did not induce a dose-related, two-fold, increase in the number of revertant (His+) colonies in each of the four tester strains (TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98 and TA 100) and in the number of revertant (Trp+) colonies in the tester strain WP2uvrA both in the absence and presence of S9 -metabolic activation. These results were confirmed in an independently repeated experiment.

Based on the results of this study it is concluded that lithium hydroxide is not mutagenic in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay and in the Escherichia coli reverse mutation assay. (NOTOX, 2000)

Reference 2

Endpoint:

in vitro cytogenicity / chromosome aberration study in mammalian cells

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

2000-04-06 to 2000-08-31

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 473 (In Vitro Mammalian Chromosome Aberration Test)

Version / remarks:

July 1997

Deviations:

no

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EU Method B.10 (Mutagenicity - In Vitro Mammalian Chromosome Aberration Test)

Version / remarks:

July 1999

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes

Type of assay:

in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test

Species / strain / cell type:

mammalian cell line, other: human lymphocytes

Details on mammalian cell type (if applicable):

Stimulated cultured human lymphocytes were used because they are sensitive indicators of clastogenic activity of a broad range of chemical classes.

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Metabolic activation system:

S9 mix of Aroclor 1254 induced rat liver

Test concentrations with justification for top dose:

Dose range finding test:
10, 33, 100, 133, 1000 µg/mL with and without S9 mix

Chromosome aberrations:
Without S9 mix: 275, 300, and 530 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (24 h treatment, 24 h fixation time);
350, 375 and 400 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (48 h treatment, 48 h fixation time),
With S9 mix: 400, 425 and 450 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (3 h treatment, 48 h fixation time)

Vehicle / solvent:

DMSO

Untreated negative controls:

yes

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

not specified

True negative controls:

not specified

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

mitomycin C

Remarks:

without S9 mix: MMC-C

Untreated negative controls:

yes

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

not specified

True negative controls:

not specified

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

cyclophosphamide

Remarks:

with S9 mix: CP

Details on test system and experimental conditions:

Cytogenetic assay:
Lithium hydroxide was tested in the absence and presence of 1.8 % (v/v) S9-fraction in duplicate in two independent experiments.

Experiment 1:
Lymphocyte cultures (0.4 mL blood of a healthy male donor was added to 5 mL or 4.8 mL culture medium, without and with metabolic activation, respectively and 0.1 mL (9 mg/mL) Phytohaemagglutinin) were cultured for 48 h and thereafter exposed in duplicate to selected doses of lithium hydroxide for 3 h in the absence and presence of S9-mix.
After 3 h treatment, the cells exposed to lithium hydroxide were rinsed once with 5 mL of HBSS and incubated in 5 mL of culture medium for another 20-22 h (24 h fixation time).
Based on the mitotic index of the dose range finding test and the first cytogenetic assay, appropriate dose levels were selected for the second cytogenetic assay. The independent repeat was performed with the following modification of experimental conditions.

Experiment 2:
Lymphocyte cultures (0.4 mL blood of a healthy male donor was added to 5 mL or 4.8 mL culture medium, without and with metabolic activation, respectively and 0.1 mL (9 mg/mL) Phytohaemagglutinin) were cultured for 48 h and thereafter exposed in duplicate to selected doses of lithium hydroxide for 3 h in the absence and presence of S9-mix.
After 3 h treatment, the cells exposed to lithium hydroxide in the presence of S9-mix were rinsed once with 5 mL of HBSS and incubated in 5 mL of culture medium for another 44-46 h (48 h fixation time).
The cells which were treated for 24 and 48 h in the absence of S9-mix were not rinsed after treatment but were worked up immediately after 24 h and 48 h (24 h and 48 h fixation time).

Chromosome preparation:
During the last 3 h of the culture period, cell division was arrested by the addition of the spindle inhibitor colchicine (0.5 µg/mL medium). Thereafter the cell cultures were centrifuged for 5 min at 1300 rpm (150 g) and the supernatant was removed. Cells in the remaining cell pellet were swollen by a 5 min treatment with hypotonic 0.56 % (w/v) potassium chloride solution at 37 °C. After hypotonic treatment, cells were fixed with 3 changes of methanol:acetic acid fixative (3:1 v/v).

Preparation of slides:
Fixed cells were dropped onto cleaned slides which were immersed for 24 h in a 1:1 mixture of 96 % (v/v) ethanol/ether and cleaned with a tissue. The slides were marked with the study identification number and group number. Two slides were prepared per culture. Slides were allowed to dry and thereafter stained for 10 - 30 min with 5 % (v/v) Giemsa solution in tap water.
Thereafter the slides were rinsed in tap-water and allowed to dry. The dry slides were cleared by dipping them in xylene before they were embedded in MicroMount and mounted with a coverslip.

Mitotic index/dose selection for scoring the cytogenetic assay:
The mitotic index of each culture was determined by counting the number of metaphases per 1000 cells. At least three analysable concentrations were used. Chromosomes of metaphase spreads were analysed of those cultures with an inhibition of the mitotic index of about 50 % or greater whereas the mitotic index of the lowest dose level was approximately the same as the mitotic index of the solvent control. Also cultures treated with an intermediate dose were examined for chromosome aberrations.

Analysis of slides for chromosome aberrations:
To prevent bias, all slides were randomly coded before examination of chromosome aberrations and scored. An adhesive label with study identification number and code was stuck over the marked slide. At least 100 metaphase chromosome spreads per culture were examined by light microscopy for chromosome aberrations. In case the number of aberrant cells, gaps excluded, was >= 25 in 50 metaphases no more metaphases were examined. Only metaphases containing 46 chromosomes were analysed. The number of cells with aberrations and the number of aberrations were calculated.

Evaluation criteria:

A test substance was considered positive (clastogenic) in the chromosome aberration test if:
a) It induced a dose-related statistically significant (Chi-square test, P < 0.05) increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations.
b) a statistically significant increase in the frequencies of the number of cells with chromosome aberrations was observed in the absence of a clear dose-response relationship.

A test substance was considered negative (not clastogenic) in the chromosome aberration test, if none of the tested concentrations induced a statistically significant (Chi-square test, P < 0.05) increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations.

The preceding criteria were not absolute and other modifying factors might enter into the final evaluation decision.

Statistics:

The incidence of aberrant cells (cells with one or more chromosome aberrations, inclusive or exclusive gaps) for each treatment group was compared to that of the solvent control using Chi-square statistics:

X*2 = (N-1)x(ad-bc)*2/(a+b)(c+d)(a+c)(b+d)

where b = the total number of aberrant cells in the control cultures,
d = the total number of non aberrant cells in the control cultures,
n0 = the total number of cells scored in the control cultures,
a = the total number of aberrant cells in treated cultures to be compared with the control,
c = the total number of non aberrant cells in treated cultures to be compared with the control,
n1 = the total number of cells scored in the treated cultures,
N = sum of n= and n1

If P [ X*2 > (N-)x(ad-bc)*2/(a+b)(c+d)(a+c)(b+d)] (two-tailed) is small (P < 0.05) the hypothesis that the incidence of cells with chromosome aberrations is the same for both the treated and the solvent group is rejected and the number of aberrant cells in the test group is considered to be significantly different from the control group at the 95 % confidence level.

Key result

Species / strain:

lymphocytes: human

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Genotoxicity:

negative

Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:

cytotoxicity

Remarks:

at 1000 µg/mL

Vehicle controls validity:

valid

Untreated negative controls validity:

valid

Positive controls validity:

valid

Additional information on results:

Dose range finding test:
Lithium hydroxide precipitated in the culture medium at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, therefore a concentration of 1000 µg/mL was used as the highest concentration of lithium hydroxide.
In the dose range finding test, blood cultures were treated with 10, 33, 100, 333 and 1000 µg lithium hydroxide per mL culture medium with and without S9 mix.
The pH of a concentration of 1000 mg Lithium Hydroxide/mL was 11.83 (compared to 8.15 in the solvent control).

Cytogenetic assay:
Based on the results of the dose range finding test the following dose levels were selected for the cytogenetic assay:

Experiment 1A:
Without S9 mix: 100, 180, 333, 420 and 560 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (3 h treatment time, 24 h fixation time)
With S9 mix: 100, 333, 420 and 560 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (3h treatment, 24 h fixation time)
Lithium hydroxide precipitated in the culture medium at a concentration of 560 µg/mL, therefore a concentration of 560 µg/mL was used as the highest concentration of lithium hydroxide in the first cytogenetic assay.
Since the highest dose level of 560 µg lithium hydroxide/mL was too cytotoxic to the cells (mitotic index of 21 % both in the absence and in the presence of S9 mix) and no dose level resulting in a mitotic index of 50 % could be selected in both the absence and presence of S9 mix, an additional experiment was performed with the following dose levels:

Experiment 1B:
With and without S9 mix: 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 and 550 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (3 h treatment, 24 h fixation time)
Because of the high cytotoxicity in cultures treated with 350 µg/mL lithium hydroxide and upwards in the presence and absence of S9 mix, the test was not used for evaluation but a third experiment was performed with the following dose levels: see Experiment C

Experiment 1C:
With and without S9 mix: 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475 and 500 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (3 h treatment, 24 h fixation time).

Despite the narrow concentration range used, the mitotic index of cultures treated with 375 and 400 µg/mL lithium hydroxide (without S9 mix) drastically decreased from 128 % to 0 %. In the presence of S9 mix, cytotoxicity was observed at a concentration of 375 µg/mL lithium hydroxide and upwards.
The pH of the concentrations 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400 and 425 µg/mL was 9.61, 9.69, 9.66, 9.68, 9.66, 9.80 and 10.19, respectively. Possibly these high pH values also play a role in the cytotoxicity of lithium hydroxide.

Since it was not possible to determine a concentration which caused the appropriate 50 % inhibition of the mitotic index, the following doses were selected for scoring of chromosome aberrations:
From experiment 1A:
With and without S9 mix: 333, 420 and 560 µg lithium hydroxide/mL (3 h treatment, 24 h fixation time)

From experiment 1C:
Without S9 mix: 325, 350, and 375 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (3 h treatment time, 24 h fixation time)
With S9 mix: 325, 350, 375, and 400 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (3 h treatment, 24 h fixation time)
For cultures with S9 mix four doses were selected, since only one of the duplicate cultures contained scorable metaphases at concentrations of 375 and 400 µg/mL lithium hydroxide.

Based on the results of the dose range finding test and experiments 1A, 1B and 1C the following dose levels were selected to perform an independent repeat:

Experiment 2:
Without S9 mix: 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400 and 425 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (24 and 48 h treatment time, 24 and 48 h fixation time);
With S9 mix: 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, 500 and 525 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (3 h treatment time, 48 h fixation time).
Based on these observations the following doses were selected for scoring of chromosome aberrations:
Without S9 mix: 275, 300 and 350 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (24 h treatment time, 24 h fixation time);
350, 375 and 400 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (48 h treatment time, 48 h fixation time),
With S9 mix: 400, 425 and 450 µg lithium hydroxide/mL culture medium (3 h treatment time, 48 h fixation time).

Evaluation of the results:
The ability of lithium hydroxide to introduce chromosome aberrations in human peripheral lymphocytes was investigated. The test was carried out in duplicate in three independent experiments.
The number of cells with chromosome aberrations found in the solvent control cultures were within the laboratory historical control data range [min = 0, max = 5 (mean = 0.8, standard deviation = 1.0) aberrant cells per 100 metaphases in the absence of S9 mix; gaps excluded and min = 0 max = 5 (mean = 0.8, standard deviation = 0.9) aberrant cells per 100 metaphases in the presence of S9 mix, gaps excluded].
The positive control chemicals (MMC-C and CP) both produced statistically significant increases in the frequency of aberrant cells. It was therefore concluded that the test conditions were adequate and that the metabolic activation system (S9 mix) functioned properly.

Experiments 1A and 1C:
Due to the steepness of the dose response curve for cytotoxicity of lithium hydroxide it was not possible to determine the number of chromosomal aberrations at a mitotic index of 50 %. Therefore, chromosome aberrations were scored from two independent experiments (experiment 1A and 1C) at different concentrations. As a result of extreme cytotoxicity, only 102 and 103 metaphases could be scored in the absence and presence of S9 mix, respectively, in experiment 1A at a concentration of 560 µg/mL lithium hydroxide. At the other concentrations tested, 200 metaphases were scored per concentration. In experiment 1C in the presence of S9 mix at the highest concentrations of 375 and 400 µg/mL only one of the two duplicate cultures could be scored due to extreme cytotoxicity.
Both in the absence and presence of S9 mix lithium hydroxide did not induce a statistically or biologically significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations in both experiments 1A and 1C.

Experiment 2:
In the absence of S9 mix, at the 24 hours continuous treatment time, lithium hydroxide induced statistically significant increases in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations at the lowest tested concentration of 275 µg/mL (only when gaps were included) and at the highest cytotoxic concentration of 350 µg/mL both when gaps were included and excluded. At the intermediate concentration of 300 µg/mL lithium hydroxide did not induce a statistically significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations.
Since the increase of chromosome aberrations at 275 µg/mL was observed only when gaps were included and furthermore the increase was within the historical control data range, it was not considered biologically relevant.

Scoring of the additional 200 metaphases at the concentration of 350 µg/mL lithium hydroxide verified the statistically significant increase. However, the observed increase was within or just on the border of our historical control data range (min = 0, max = 5 aberrant cells per 100 metaphases, gaps excluded), and was observed at a very toxic concentration. In addition, higher concentrations tested at the prolonged treatment time of 48 hours in the absence of metabolic activation did not induce significant increases in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations. Furthermore, the irregular toxicity profile and the non-physiological test conditions (pH > 9) may be considered as confounding factors. Therefore, the observed increase in the number of aberrant cells at the concentration of 350 µg/mL is considered not biologically relevant.

At the continuous treatment time of 48 hours exposure of cells to 350, 375 or 400 µg/mL lithium hydroxide did not induce a significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations.

In the presence of S9 mix, lithium hydroxide did not induce a statistically or biologically significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations.

Conclusion:
Finally, it is concluded that this test is to be considered valid and that lithium hydroxide is not clastogenic under the experimental conditions of this test.

Conclusions:

The effect of lithium hydroxide on the induction of chromosome aberrations in culture peripheral human lymphocytes in the presence and absence of a metabolic activation system (Aroclor-1254 induced rat liver S9 mix) was investigated.
It was concluded that this test should be considered valid and that lithium hydroxide is not clastogenic under the experimental conditions of this test.
Based on a read-across approach, results of this study are applied to lithium bromide and it can therefore be concluded that lithium bromide is not calstogenic.

Executive summary:

A chromosome aberration test with lithium bromide was not available. Consequently, read-across was applied using study results obtained from lithium hydroxide as it is a characteristically similar compound.

The effect of lithium hydroxide on the induction of chromosome aberrations in culture peripheral human lymphocytes in the presence and absence of a metabolic activation system (Aroclor-1254 induced rat liver S9 mix) was investigated according to OECD Guideline 473 and EU method B.10. In the absence of S9 mix lithium hydroxide was tested up to 560 µg/mL for a 3 h treatment time with a 24 h fixation time in experiment 1A and up to 375 µg/mL in experiment 1C. In the second experiment lithium hydroxide was tested up to 350 µg/mL for a 24 hours continuous treatment time and up to 400 µg/mL for a 48 hours continuous treatment time. 

In the presence of 1.8 % (v/v) S9-fraction lithium hydroxide was tested up to 560 μg/mL for a 3 h treatment time with a 24 h fixation time in experiment 1A and up to 400 µg/mL in experiment 1C. In the second experiment lithium hydroxide was tested up to 450 μg/mL for a 3 h treatment time with a 48 h fixation time. 

Positive control chemicals, mitomycin C and cyclophosphamide, both produced a statistically significant increase in the incidence of cells with chromosome aberrations, indicating that the test conditions were adequate and that the metabolic activation system (S9 mix) functioned properly. 

Experiment 1A and 1C:

Both in the absence and presence of S9 mix lithium hydroxide did not induce a statistically or biologically significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations in both experiments 1A and 1C. 

Experiment 2:

In the absence of S9 mix, at the 24 hours continuous treatment time, lithium hydroxide induced statistically significant increases in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations at the lowest tested concentration of 275 μg/mL (only when gaps were included) and at the highest cytotoxic concentration of 350 µg/mL both when gaps were included and excluded. At the intermediate concentration of 300 µg/mL lithium hydroxide did not induce a statistically significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations.

Since the increase of chromosome aberrations at 275 µg/mL was observed only when gaps were included and furthermore the increase was within the historical control data range and revealed no dose-response-relationship, it was not considered biologically relevant. 

Scoring of the additional 200 metaphases at the concentration of 350 µg/mL lithium hydroxide verified the statistically significant increase. However, the observed increase was within or just on the border of the historical control data range (min = 0, max = 5 aberrant cells per 100 metaphases, gaps excluded), and was observed at a very toxic concentration. In addition, higher concentrations tested at the prolonged treatment time of 48 hours in the absence of metabolic activation did not induce significant increases in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations. Furthermore, the irregular toxicity profile and the non-physiological test conditions (pH > 9) may be considered as confounding factors. Therefore, the observed increase in the number of aberrant cells at the concentration of 350 µg/mL is considered not biologically relevant.

At the continuous treatment time of 48 hours exposure of cells to 350, 375 or 400 µg/mL lithium hydroxide did not induce a significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations. 

In the presence of S9 mix, lithium hydroxide did not induce a statistically or biologically significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations.  It was concluded that this test is considered valid and that lithium hydroxide is not clastogenic under the experimental conditions of this test. Based on a read-across approach, results of this study are applied to lithium bromide and it can therefore be concluded that lithium bromide is not clastogenic. (Notox, 2000)

   

 

   

 

Reference 3

Endpoint:

in vitro gene mutation study in mammalian cells

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

2010-01-20 to 2010-07-27

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 476 (In Vitro Mammalian Cell Gene Mutation Test)

Version / remarks:

1997

Deviations:

no

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EU Method B.17 (Mutagenicity - In Vitro Mammalian Cell Gene Mutation Test)

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Type of assay:

mammalian cell gene mutation assay

Target gene:

Thymidine kinase (TK)

Species / strain / cell type:

mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells

Details on mammalian cell type (if applicable):

The indicator cell used for this study was the L5178Y mouse lymphoma cell line that is heterozygous at the TK locus (+/-). The particular clone (3.7.2C) used in this assay is isolated by Dr. Donald Clive (Burroughs Wellcome Company, Research Triangle Park, NC).

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Metabolic activation system:

S9 mix

Test concentrations with justification for top dose:

12.5, 25, 50 100 and 200 µg/mL

Vehicle / solvent:

- Vehicle(s)/solvent(s) used: Aqua ad iniectabilia

Untreated negative controls:

yes

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

yes

True negative controls:

no

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

methylmethanesulfonate

Remarks:

positive control for non-activation mutation studies.

Untreated negative controls:

yes

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

yes

True negative controls:

no

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

3-methylcholanthrene

Remarks:

positive control for assays performed with S9 metabolic activation.

Details on test system and experimental conditions:

METHOD OF APPLICATION: in medium

ASSAY WITHOUT METABOLIC ACTIVATION
The cells for the experiments were obtained from logarithmically growing laboratory stock cultures and were seeded into a series of tubes at 1 x 107 cells per tube. The cells were pelleted by centrifugation, the culture medium was removed, and the cells were resuspended in a final volume of 20.0 mL of treatment medium that contained 5 % heat inactivated fetal bovine serum. The dosed tubes were closed, vortexed and placed on a roller drum at approx. 37 °C at 10 - 15 rpm for an exposure period of 3 hours. The cells were washed and resuspended in growth medium.
Cell densities were adjusted to 2 x 105/mL and the cells were plated for survival and incubated for the expression period in parallel, i.e. an aliquot of the cells was diluted to 8 cells/mL and 0.2 mL of each culture were placed in two 96 well microtiter plates (192 wells, averaging 1.6 cells/well) and incubated for 1 week at 37 ± 0.4 °C whereas the rest of the cells was incubated for 2 days at 37 ± 0.4 °C for the expression period.
The cells for the plating of survival were counted after 1 week and the number of viable clones was recorded. The cells in the expression period were maintained below 106 cells per mL and a minimum of 4 concentration levels plus positive and negative control was selected for 5-trifluoro-thymidine (TFT) resistance.
At the end of the expression period, the selected cultures were diluted to 1 x 104 cells/mL and plated for survival and TFT resistance in parallel (plating efficiency step 2). The plating for survival was similar to the above described method. For the plating for TFT resistance, 3 μg/mL TFT (final concentration) were added to the cultures and 0.2 mL of each suspension was placed into four 96-well microtiter plates (384 wells, averaging 2 x 103 cells/well). The plates were incubated for 12 days at 37 ± 0.4 °C and wells containing clones were identified microscopically and counted.
In addition, the number of large and small colonies was recorded with an automated colony counter that can detect colony diameters equal or greater than 0.2 to 0.3 mm. Large colonies are defined as >= 1/3 and small colonies < 1/3 of the well diameter of 6 mm.

ASSAY WITH METABOLIC ACTIVATION
The activation assay is often run concurrently with the non-activation assay; however, it was an independent assay performed with its own set of solvent and positive controls. In this assay, the above-described activation system was added to the cells together with test item.

Evaluation criteria:

The minimum criterion considered necessary to demonstrate mutagenesis for any given treatment was a mutant frequency that was >= 2 times the concurrent background mutant frequency. The observation of a mutant frequency that meets the minimum criterion for a single treated culture within a range of assayed concentrations was not sufficient evidence to evaluate a test item as a mutagen.
A concentration-related or toxicity-related increase in mutant frequency should be observed.
The ratio of small : large colonies will be calculated from the results of the determination of small to large colonies.
If the test item is positive, the ratio of small to large colonies for the test item will be compared with the corresponding ratios of the positive and negative controls. Based on this comparison, the type of the mutagenic properties (i.e. basepair substitutions, deletions or large genetic changes frequently visible as chromosomal aberrations) of the test item will be discussed.
A test item is evaluated as non-mutagenic in a single assay only if the minimum increase in mutant frequency is not observed for a range of applied concentrations that extends to toxicity causing 10% to 20% relative growth or a range of applied concentrations extending to at least twice the solubility limit in culture media.

Key result

Species / strain:

mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Genotoxicity:

negative

Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:

cytotoxicity

Vehicle controls validity:

valid

Untreated negative controls validity:

valid

Positive controls validity:

valid

Additional information on results:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CYTOTOXICITY:
In the main study, cytotoxicity (decreased survival) was noted immediately after treatment (plating efficiency step 1) and in the following plating for 5-trifluoro-thymidine (TFT) resistance (plating efficiency step 2) in the presence and absence of metabolic activation at the top concentration of 200 µg/mL.
Cytotoxicity is defined as a reduction in the number of colonies by more than 50 % compared with the negative control. Exposure to the test item at the concentration of 200 µg/mL in the absence of metabolic activation resulted in relative survival of 28 % and 34 % (plating efficiency step 1) and 20 % and 33 % (plating efficiency step 2), and in the presence of metabolic activation of 28 % and 26 % (plating efficiency step 1) and 23 % and 17 % (plating efficiency step 2). Therefore, the test item was considered cytotoxic at the top concentration of 200 µg/mL.

No relevant change in pH and osmolality was noted.

Conclusions:

Under the present test conditions, lithium hydroxide monohydrate, tested up to a pronounced cytotoxic concentration in the absence and presence of metabolic activation in two independent experiments, was negative with respect to the mutant frequency in the L5178Y TK +/- mammalian cell mutagenicity test. Under these conditions positive controls exerted potent mutagenic effects.
In addition, no change was noted in the ratio of small to large mutant colonies. Therefore, lithium hydroxide monohydrate also did not exhibit clastogenic potential at the concentration range investigated.
According to the evaluation criteria for this assay, these findings indicate that lithium hydroxide monohydrate, tested up to a cytotoxic concentration in the absence and presence of metabolic activation did neither induce mutations nor had any chromosomal aberration potential.

Executive summary:

An in vitro mammalian cell assay was performed in mouse lymphoma L5178Y TK +/- cells to test the potential of lithium hydroxide to cause gene mutation and/or chromosome damage according to OECD Guideline 476 and the EU method B.17. Lithium hydroxide monohydrate was assayed in a gene mutation assay in cultured mammalian cells (L5178Y TK +/-) both in the presence and absence of metabolic activation by a liver post-mitochondrial fraction (S9 mix) from Aroclor 1254-induced rats. The test was carried out employing 2 exposure times without S9 mix: 3 and 24 hours, and one exposure time with S9 mix: 3 hours; this experiment with S9 mix was carried out twice. The test item was dissolved in aqua ad iniectabilia. A correction factor of 1.73 was used. The dose levels and concentrations given in the text and tables refer to lithium hydroxide monohydrate. The limit of solubility was about 34 mg/mL. In the preliminary experiment without and with metabolic activation, concentrations tested were 0.25, 1, 2.5, 10, 25, 100 and 200 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity (decreased survival) was noted at the top concentration of 200 μg/mL. Hence, in the experiments without or with metabolic activation the concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50 100 and 200 µg/mL were used. In the main study, cytotoxicity (decreased survival) was noted immediately after treatment (plating efficiency step 1) and in the following plating for 5-trifluoro-thymidine (TFT) resistance (plating efficiency step 2) in the presence and absence of metabolic activation at the top concentration of 200 μg/mL. Methylmethanesulfonate was employed as positive control in the absence of exogenous metabolic activation and 3 -methylcholanthrene in the presence of exogenous metabolic activation. The mean values of mutation frequencies of the negative controls ranged from 61.61 to 98.34 per 106 clonable cells in the experiments without metabolic activation, and from 68.23 to 82.61 per 106 clonable cells in the experiments with metabolic activation and, hence, were well within the historical data range. The mutation frequencies of the cultures treated with lithium hydroxide monohydrate ranged from 64.74 to 92.63 per 106 clonable cells (3 hours exposure) and 50.42 to 92.34 per 106 clonable cells (24 hours exposure) in the experiments without metabolic activation and 75.88 to 105.59 per 106 clonable cells (3 hours exposure, first assay) and 45.04 to 99.10 per 106 clonable cells (3 hours exposure, second assay) in the experiments with metabolic activation. These results were within the range of the negative control values and, hence, no mutagenicity was observed according to the criteria for assay evaluation.

Under the present test conditions, lithium hydroxide monohydrate, tested up to a pronounced cytotoxic concentration in the absence and presence of metabolic activation in two independent experiments, was negative with respect to the mutant frequency in the L5178Y TK +/- mammalian cell mutagenicity test. Under these conditions positive controls exerted potent mutagenic effects. In addition, no change was noted in the ratio of small to large mutant colonies. Therefore, lithium hydroxide monohydrate also did not exhibit clastogenic potential at the concentration range investigated. According to the evaluation criteria for this assay, these findings indicate that lithium hydroxide monohydrate, tested up to a cytotoxic concentration in the absence and presence of metabolic activation did neither induce mutations nor had any chromosomal aberration potential.

Based on a read-across approach, results of this study are applied to lithium bromide and it can therefore be concluded that lithium bromide is negative with regard to mutant frequency in the absence and presence of metabolic activation. (LPT, 2010)

Reference 4

Endpoint:

in vitro gene mutation study in bacteria

Type of information:

read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

key study

Justification for type of information:

HYPOTHESIS FOR THE ANALOGUE APPROACH
Lithium bromide completely dissociates in water forming lithium cation and the corresponding bomide anion. Thus, lithium salts with different anion moieties and bromide compounds were found to be suitable candidates for read-across. (Eco)toxicological properties were extrapolated to different endpoints by using the lowest effect concentration.
For further information, please refer to the read-across justification 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:

negative

Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:

no cytotoxicity

Vehicle controls validity:

valid

Untreated negative controls validity:

valid

Positive controls validity:

valid

Species / strain:

E. coli WP2 uvr A

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Genotoxicity:

negative

Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:

no cytotoxicity

Vehicle controls validity:

valid

Untreated negative controls validity:

valid

Positive controls validity:

valid

Reference 5

Endpoint:

in vitro cytogenicity / chromosome aberration 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:

HYPOTHESIS FOR THE ANALOGUE APPROACH
Lithium bromide completely dissociates in water forming lithium cation and the corresponding bomide anion. Thus, lithium salts with different anion moieties and bromide compounds were found to be suitable candidates for read-across. (Eco)toxicological properties were extrapolated to different endpoints by using the lowest effect concentration.
For further information, please refer to the read-across justification in IUCLID, section 13.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Key result

Species / strain:

lymphocytes: human

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Genotoxicity:

negative

Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:

cytotoxicity

Remarks:

at 1000 µg/mL

Vehicle controls validity:

valid

Untreated negative controls validity:

valid

Positive controls validity:

valid

Reference 6

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:

HYPOTHESIS FOR THE ANALOGUE APPROACH
Lithium bromide completely dissociates in water forming lithium cation and the corresponding bomide anion. Thus, lithium salts with different anion moieties and bromide compounds were found to be suitable candidates for read-across. (Eco)toxicological properties were extrapolated to different endpoints by using the lowest effect concentration.
For further information, please refer to the read-across justification in IUCLID, section 13.

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

read-across source

Key result

Species / strain:

mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Genotoxicity:

negative

Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:

cytotoxicity

Vehicle controls validity:

valid

Untreated negative controls validity:

valid

Positive controls validity:

valid

Reference 7

Endpoint:

in vitro gene mutation study in bacteria

Remarks:

Type of genotoxicity: gene mutation

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Study period:

Not available

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: The study report is not detailed enough and documentation is not available. Nevertheless, the study was performed according to an OECD guideline and is scientifically acceptable.

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 471 (Bacterial Reverse Mutation Assay)

Deviations:

no

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

JAPAN: Guidelines for Screening Mutagenicity Testing Of Chemicals

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes

Type of assay:

bacterial reverse mutation assay

Target gene:

The Salmonella typhimurium histidine (his) reversion system measures his- -> his+ reversions. The Salmonella typhimurium strains are constructed to differentiate between base pair (TA 1535, TA 100) and frameshift (TA 1537, TA 98) mutations. The Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA (trp) reversion system measures trp– -> trp+ reversions. The Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA detect mutagens that cause other base-pair substitutions (AT to GC).

Species / strain / cell type:

S. typhimurium TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98, TA 100 and E. coli WP2

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Metabolic activation system:

S9 Mix

Test concentrations with justification for top dose:

Lithium bromide was tested in concentrations of 0, 313, 625, 1250, 2500 and 5000 µg/plate with and without S9 mix.

Untreated negative controls:

no

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

yes

True negative controls:

no

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

other: 2-(2-Furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)acrylamide

Remarks:

TA 100, TA 98, WP2uvrA (without S9 mix)

Untreated negative controls:

no

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

yes

True negative controls:

no

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

sodium azide

Remarks:

TA 1535 (without S9 mix)

Untreated negative controls:

no

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

yes

True negative controls:

no

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

9-aminoacridine

Remarks:

TA 1537 (without S9 mix)

Untreated negative controls:

no

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

yes

True negative controls:

no

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

other: 2-Aminoanthracene

Remarks:

all strains (with S9 mix)

Species / strain:

S. typhimurium TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98 and TA 100

Metabolic activation:

with and without

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:

E. coli WP2 uvr A

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Genotoxicity:

negative

Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:

no cytotoxicity

Vehicle controls validity:

valid

Untreated negative controls validity:

not examined

Positive controls validity:

valid

Remarks on result:

other: all strains/cell types tested

Conclusions:

Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that lithium bromide is not mutagenic in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay and in the Escherichia coli reverse mutation assay.

Executive summary:

Lithium bromide was tested in a reverse mutation assay according to OECD Guideline 471 and the Guideline for Screening Mutagenicity Testing of Chemicals (Chemical Substances Control Law of Japan). The test was performed with four histidine-requiring strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 100 and TA 98) and in the Escherichia coli reverse mutation assay with a tryptophane-requiring strain of Escherichia coli WP2uvrA in a pre-incubation test. Lithium bromide was tested up to concentrations of 5000 µg/plate (0, 313, 625, 1250, 2500, 5000 μg/plate) in the absence and presence of S9 mix. The test substance did not induce gene mutations in the S. typhimurium and E. coli strains. Toxicity was not observed in any strain, with or without S9 mix. (Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology, date not indicated)

Reference 8

Endpoint:

in vitro cytogenicity / chromosome aberration study in mammalian cells

Remarks:

Type of genotoxicity: chromosome aberration

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Study period:

Not available

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: The study report is not detailed enough and documentation is not available. Nevertheless, the study was performed according to an OECD guideline and is scientifically acceptable.

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 473 (In Vitro Mammalian Chromosome Aberration Test)

Deviations:

no

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

JAPAN: Guidelines for Screening Mutagenicity Testing Of Chemicals

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes

Type of assay:

in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test

Target gene:

Not applicable

Species / strain / cell type:

mammalian cell line, other: Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells

Details on mammalian cell type (if applicable):

Stimulated cultured human lymphocytes were used because they are sensitive indicators of clastogenic activity of a broad range of chemical classes.

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Metabolic activation system:

S9 mix (rat liver, induced with phenobarbital and 5,6-benzoflavone)

Test concentrations with justification for top dose:

0, 217.5, 435, 870 µg/mL in all treatments applied (6 hours short-term treatment with and without metabolic activation system) and 24 hours continuous treatment without metabolic activation system).

Vehicle / solvent:

Physiological saline

Untreated negative controls:

no

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

yes

True negative controls:

no

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

N-ethyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

Remarks:

without metabolic activation

Untreated negative controls:

no

Negative solvent / vehicle controls:

yes

True negative controls:

no

Positive controls:

yes

Positive control substance:

benzo(a)pyrene

Remarks:

with metabolic activation

Species / strain:

mammalian cell line, other: Chinese Hamster Lung (CHL) cells

Metabolic activation:

with and without

Genotoxicity:

negative

Cytotoxicity / choice of top concentrations:

no cytotoxicity

Vehicle controls validity:

valid

Untreated negative controls validity:

not examined

Positive controls validity:

valid

Conclusions:

Based on the results of the study, lithium bromide did not induce chromosomal aberration inCHL/IU cells, with and without an exogenous metabolic activation system.

Executive summary:

Lithium bromide was tested in a non-bacterial in vitro chromosomal aberration test according to OECD Guideline 473 and the Guideline for Screening Mutagenicity Testing of Chemicals (Chemical Substances Control Law of Japan). The test was performed with chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells exposed to lithium bromide (55.6 %) in concentrations of 0 (vehicle - physiological saline), 217.5, 435, 870 µg/mL in the absence and presence of S9 mix in a 6 hours exposure (with and without metabolic activation system) and 24 hours exposure (without metabolic activation system. The test substance did not induce genotoxic effects (polyploidy and clastogenicity): in the 6 hr short-term treatment, chromosomal aberrations were not induced, with or without S9 mix. Moreover, chromosomal aberrations were not induced after the 24 hr continuous treatment without S9 mix. Cytotoxicity was not observed after 6 hr short-term treatment, with or without S9 mix, and not after 24 hr continuous treatment without S9 mix. (Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology, date not indicated)

 

   

 

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed (negative)

Genetic toxicity in vivo

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Additional information

Bacterial Reverse mutation assay (Ames test)

A Bacteria Reverse Mutation test with lithium bromide was not available. Consequently, read-across was applied using study results obtained from lithium hydroxide as it is a characteristically similar compound.

Lithium hydroxide was tested in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay according to OECD Guideline 471. The test was performed with four histidine-requiring strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 100 and TA 98) and in the Escherichia coli reverse mutation assay with a tryptophane-requiring strain of Escherichia coli WP2uvrA in two independent experiments. Lithium hydroxide was tested up to concentrations of 5000 µg/plate in the absence and presence of S9 -mix. Lithium hydroxide did not precipitate on the plates at this dose level. The bacterial background lawn was not reduced at all concentrations tested. Reduction in the number of revertants was observed in the tester strain TA 1535, TA 98, TA 100 and WP2uvrA. Lithium hydroxide did not induce a dose-related, two-fold, increase in the number of revertant (His+) colonies in each of the four tester strains (TA 1535, TA 1537, TA 98 and TA 100) and in the number of revertant (Trp+) colonies in the tester strain WP2uvrA both in the absence and presence of S9-metabolic activation. These results were confirmed in an independently repeated experiment. Based on the results of this study it is concluded that lithium hydroxide is not mutagenic in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay and in the Escherichia coli reverse mutation assay. (NOTOX, 2000)

Chromosome Aberration test

A chromosome aberration test with lithium bromide was not available. Consequently, read-across was applied using study results obtained from lithium hydroxide as it is a characteristically similar compound.

The effect of lithium hydroxide on the induction of chromosome aberrations in culture peripheral human lymphocytes in the presence and absence of a metabolic activation system (Aroclor-1254 induced rat liver S9-mix) was investigated according to OECD Guideline 473 and EU method B.10. 

In the absence of S9-mix lithium hydroxide was tested up to 560 µg/mL for a 3 h treatment time with a 24 h fixation time in experiment 1A and up to 375 µg/mL in experiment 1C. In the second experiment lithium hydroxide was tested up to 350 µg/mL for a 24 hours continuous treatment time and up to 400 µg/mL for a 48 hours continuous treatment time. 

In the presence of 1.8 % (v/v) S9-fraction lithium hydroxide was tested up to 560 μg/mL for a 3 h treatment time with a 24 h fixation time in experiment 1A and up to 400 µg/mL in experiment 1C. In the second experiment lithium hydroxide was tested up to 450 μg/mL for a 3 h treatment time with a 48 h fixation time. 

Positive control chemicals, mitomycin C and cyclophosphamide, both produced a statistically significant increase in the incidence of cells with chromosome aberrations, indicating that the test conditions were adequate and that the metabolic activation system (S9-mix) functioned properly. 

Experiment 1A and 1C:

Both in the absence and presence of S9-mix lithium hydroxide did not induce a statistically or biologically significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations in both experiments 1A and 1C. 

Experiment 2:

In the absence of S9-mix, at the 24 hours continuous treatment time, lithium hydroxide induced statistically significant increases in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations at the lowest tested concentration of 275 μg/mL (only when gaps were included) and at the highest cytotoxic concentration of 350 µg/mL both when gaps were included and excluded. At the intermediate concentration of 300 µg/mL lithium hydroxide did not induce a statistically significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations.

Since the increase of chromosome aberrations at 275 µg/mL was observed only when gaps were included and furthermore the increase was within the historical control data range and revealed no dose-response-relationship, the increase was not considered biologically relevant. 

Scoring of the additional 200 metaphases at the concentration of 350 µg/mL lithium hydroxide verified the statistically significant increase. However, the observed increase within or just on the border of the historical control data range (min = 0, max = 5 aberrant cells per 100 metaphases, gaps excluded), and is observed at a very toxic concentration. In addition, higher concentrations tested at the prolonged treatment time of 48 hours in the absence of metabolic activation did not induce significant increases in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations. Furthermore, the irregular toxicity profile and the non-physiological test conditions (pH > 9) may be considered as confounding factors. Therefore, the observed increase in the number of aberrant cells at the concentration of 350 µg/mL is considered not biologically relevant.

At the continuous treatment time of 48 hours exposure of cells to 350, 375 or 400 µg/mL lithium hydroxide did not induce a significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations. 

In the presence of S9-mix, lithium hydroxide did not induce a statistically or biologically significant increase in the number of cells with chromosome aberrations. 

Finally, it is concluded that this test is considered valid and that lithium hydroxide is not clastogenic under the experimental conditions of this test. (NOTOX, 2000)

Mammalian cell gene mutation assay

An in vitro mammalian cell test with lithium bromide was not available. Consequently, read-across was applied using study results obtained from lithium hydroxide as it is a characteristically similar compound.

An in vitro mammalian cell assay was performed in mouse lymphoma L5178Y TK +/- cells to test the potential of lithium hydroxide to cause gene mutation and/or chromosome damage according to OECD Guideline 476 and the EU method B.17. Lithium hydroxide monohydrate was assayed in a gene mutation assay in cultured mammalian cells (L5178Y TK +/-) both in the presence and absence of metabolic activation by a liver post-mitochondrial fraction (S9 mix) from Aroclor 1254-induced rats. The test was carried out employing 2 exposure times without S9 mix: 3 and 24 hours, and one exposure time with S9 mix: 3 hours; this experiment with S9 mix was carried out twice. The test item was dissolved in aqua ad iniectabilia. A correction factor of 1.73 was used. The dose-levels and concentrations given in the text and tables refer to lithium hydroxide monohydrate. The limit of solubility was about 34 mg/mL. In the preliminary experiment without and with metabolic activation, concentrations tested were 0.25, 1, 2.5, 10, 25, 100 and 200 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity (decreased survival) was noted at the top concentration of 200 μg/mL. Hence, in the experiments without or with metabolic activation the concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50 100 and 200 µg/mL were used. In the main study, cytotoxicity (decreased survival) was noted immediately after treatment (plating efficiency step 1) and in the following plating for 5-trifluoro-thymidine (TFT) resistance (plating efficiency step 2) in the presence and absence of metabolic activation at the top concentration of 200 μg/mL. Methylmethanesulfonate was employed as positive control in the absence of exogenous metabolic activation and 3 -methylcholanthrene in the presence of exogenous metabolic activation. The mean values of mutation frequencies of the negative controls ranged from 61.61 to 98.34 per 106 clonable cells in the experiments without metabolic activation, and from 68.23 to 82.61 per 106 clonable cells in the experiments with metabolic activation and, hence, were well within the historical data range. The mutation frequencies of the cultures treated with lithium hydroxide monohydrate ranged from 64.74 to 92.63 per 106 clonable cells (3 hours exposure) and 50.42 to 92.34 per 106 clonable cells (24 hours exposure) in the experiments without metabolic activation and 75.88 to 105.59 per 106 clonable cells (3 hours exposure, first assay) and 45.04 to 99.10 per 106 clonable cells (3 hours exposure, second assay) in the experiments with metabolic activation. These results were within the range of the negative control values and, hence, no mutagenicity was observed according to the criteria for assay evaluation.

Under the present test conditions, lithium hydroxide monohydrate, tested up to a pronounced cytotoxic concentration in the absence and presence of metabolic activation in two independent experiments, was negative with respect to the mutant frequency in the L5178Y TK +/- mammalian cell mutagenicity test. Under these conditions positive controls exerted potent mutagenic effects. In addition, no change was noted in the ratio of small to large mutant colonies. Therefore, lithium hydroxide monohydrate also did not exhibit clastogenic potential at the concentration range investigated. According to the evaluation criteria for this assay, these findings indicate that lithium hydroxide monohydrate, tested up to a cytotoxic concentration in the absence and presence of metabolic activation did neither induce mutations nor had any chromosomal aberration potential. (LPT, 2010)

Justification for classification or non-classification

Classification, Labelling, and Packaging Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
The available experimental test data are reliable and suitable for classification purposes under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. Based on the results of the three in vitro genetic toxicity studies with lithium substances (read-across) and two studies with the test item itself, lithium bromide was neither found genotoxic nor mutagenic and the test item is not classified according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), as amended for the tenth time in Regulation (EU) No 2017/776.