The mouse lymphoma assay (MLA) has been recently validated as a sensitive and specific test system to determine the genotoxic potential for a chemical. The objective of this study is to evaluate the utility of MLA for detecting mutagens. Especially, to compare MLA with the in vitro chromosomal aberration test (CA), we performed MLA using the microwell method with three chemicals (hydroxyurea, theophylline and amino acid copper complex), which were reportedly positive in the CA. In cell treated with hydroxyurea, anti-neoplastic agent that blocks DNA replication, evidence of a positive response was obtained without S9 mix for 4 h and 24 h. In addition, analysis of colony size distribution at concentration that gave an elevated mutant fraction showed that hydroxyurea induced a high proportion of small type colonies, indicating that hydroxyurea-induced mutation is associated with large chromosomal deletion. Conversely, negative MLA result was obtained for theophylline, which was wed as central nervous system stimulator. Although theophylline increased the mutant frequency at concentration of 1250 $mu extrm{g}$/$ extrm{m}{ell}$ with S9 mix for 4 h, a concentration-related increase in mutant frequency was not observed. The MLA result of amino acid copper complex was considered equivocal because the positive result was obtained at concentration showing 10% or less RS or RTG. Thus, among 3 CA-positive chemicals, positive MLA result was obtained for one. The other two chemicals were negative and equivocal. However MLA, which evaluates mutagenic potential of chemicals through colony formation by cell grouth, may provide a higher predictivity of carcinogenesis than CA.