DETECTION OF BENZO(A)PYRENE DNA ADDUCTS IN HUMAN WHITE BLOOD-CELLS

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 45  (1) , 66-68
Abstract
Metabolic activation of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) to its ultimate carcinogenic form, 7.beta.,8.alpha.-diol-9.alpha.,10.alpha.-benzo(a)pyrene epoxide (BPDE), and the binding of BPDE to DNA are important steps in BP carcinogenicity in experimental animals. Since people of certain occupations are exposed to high concentrations of BP, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and ultrasensitive enzymatic radioimmunoassay was to measure BPDE:DNA adducts in white blood cells from 2 of these occupational groups. Seven of 28 samples from roofers and 7 of 20 samples from foundry workers were positive for BPDE:DNA adducts (range, 2-120 fmol BPDE/50 .mu.g DNA). In a group of 9 volunteers without these industrial exposures to BP, the 2 positive DNA samples were from cigarette smokers. Control DNA obtained from human lymphocyte cell line RPMI 4265 was negative. The metabolic activation of BP and formation of BPDE:DNA adducts evidently does occur in humans.