Induction of electrophilic Metabolites of PAH by placental microsomes in mice

Abstract

Metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene, the most thoroughly studied PAH, was studied in mouse placental microsomes incubated with (3)H-labeled B(a)P. B(a)P metabolites were separated using HPLC fitted with a C18-micro Bondapak column. The single major metabolite by mouse placental microsomes induced by B(a)P was 7,8-diol B(a)P, while 4,5-diol B(a)P, 3-OH and quinones constituted minor metabolites. Treatment with 3-methyl-cholanthrene to mice resulted in induction of hydroxy B(a)P and quinore compounds. Phenobarital treated mouse placental microsomes also showed elevated level of B(a)P metabolism with 7,8-diol B(a)P as a major metabolite