Metabolism and activation of chemical carcinogens

Characteristic molecular signature for the early detection and prediction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rat liver

Predictions of toxicity are central for the assessment of chemical toxicity, and the effects of environmental toxic compounds are still a major issue for predicting potential human health risks. Among the various environmental toxicants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an important class of environmental pollutant, and many PAHs are known or suspected carcinogens. In the present study, to investigate whether characteristic expression profiles of PAHs exist in rat liver and whether a characteristic molecular signature can discriminate and predict among different PAHs at an early exposure time, we analyzed the genome-wide expression profiles of rat livers exposed to PAHs [benzo[a]anthracene (BA), benzo[a]pyrene (BP), phenanthrene (PA) and naphthalene (NT)]. At early time-point PAH exposure, large-scale gene expression analysis resulted in characteristic molecular signatures for each PAH, and supervised analysis identified 1183 outlier genes as a distinct molecular signature discerning PAHs from the normal control group. We identified 158 outlier genes as early predictive and surrogate markers for predicting each tested PAH by combination of two different multi-classification algorithms with 100% accuracy through a leave-one out cross-validation method. In conclusion, the characteristic gene expression signatures from a rat model system could be used as predictable and discernible gene-based biomarkers for the detection and prediction of PAHs, and these molecular markers may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms for genotoxicity of exposure to PAHs from environmental aspect.

Molecular signature for early detection and prediction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in peripheral blood

Whole blood is one of the most easily accessible biofluids, and circulating leukocytes would include informative transcripts as a first line of immune defense for many disease processes. To demonstrate that transcriptomic responses of circulating blood cells reflect the exposure to environmental toxicants and the characteristic molecular signatures can discriminate and predict the type of toxicant at an early exposure time, we identified and validated characteristic gene expression profiles of rat whole blood after exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). At an early exposure time point, conventional toxicological analysis including changes in the body and organ weight, histopathological examination, and blood biochemical analysis did not reflect any toxicant stresses. However, unsupervised gene expression analysis of blood cells resulted in a characteristic molecular signature for each toxicant. Further analysis of multiclassification suggested 220 genes as early detective and surrogate markers for predicting each PAH with 100% accuracy. These findings suggest that the blood expression signature could be used as a predictable and discernible surrogate marker for detection and prediction of PAHs, and the use of these molecular markers may be more widely implemented in combination with more traditional techniques for assessment and prediction of toxicity exposure to PAHs from an environmental aspect.

Cometabolism of chlorinated solvents by nitrifying bacteria: kinetics, substrate interactions, toxicity effects, and bacterial response

Pure cultures of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, Nitrosomonas europaea, were exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE), 1,1-dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE), chloroform (CF), 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), or carbon tetrachloride (CT), in the presence of ammonia, in a quasi-steady-state bioreactor. Estimates of enzyme kinetics constants, solvent inactivation constants, and culture recovery constants were obtained by simultaneously fitting three model curves to experimental data using nonlinear optimization techniques and an enzyme kinetics model, referred to as the inhibition, inactivation, and recovery (IIR) model, that accounts for inhibition of ammonia oxidation by the solvent, enzyme inactivation by solvent product toxicity, and respondent synthesis of new enzyme (recovery). Results showed relative enzyme affinities for ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) of 1,1-DCE approximately TCE > CT > NH(3) > CF > 1,2-DCA. Relative maximum specific substrate transformation rates were NH(3) > 1,2-DCA > CF > TCE approximately 1,1-DCE > CT (=0). The TCE, CF, and 1,1-DCE inactivated the cells, with 1,1-DCE being about three times more potent than TCE or CF. Under the conditions of these experiments, inactivating injuries caused by TCE and 1,1-DCE appeared limited primarily to the AMO enzyme, but injuries caused by CF appeared to be more generalized. The CT was not oxidized by N. europaea while 1,2-DCA was oxidized quite readily and showed no inactivation effects. Recovery capabilities were demonstrated with all solvents except CF. A method for estimating protein yield, the relationship between the transformation capacity model and the IIR model, and a condition necessary for sustainable cometabolic treatment of inactivating substrates are presented. (c) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 54: 520-534, 1997.

Evidence for the preventive effect of the polyunsaturated phytol side chain in tocotrienols on 17beta-estradiol epoxidation

BACKGROUND

We found that 17beta-estradiol (E2) could be activated by epoxidation to bind DNA and to inhibit nuclear RNA synthesis. Vitamin E compounds are powerful antioxidants and chain-breaking free radical scavengers. The chromanol ring in Vitamin E is believed to be involved in these reactions.

METHODS

Here, we examined the preventive effect of alpha-tocopherol, alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols on E2 activation.

RESULTS

We found that when any one of these Vitamin E compounds was mixed with E2 for epoxidation by the epoxide-forming oxidant dimethyldioxirane (DMDO), alpha-tocopherol was the least effective as compared with the tocotrienols against the formation of E2 epoxide as reflected by the loss of the ability of E2 to inhibit nuclear RNA synthesis. This conclusion was further confirmed by the binding studies of [3H] labeled E2 to DNA using either DMDO or liver microsomes activation system.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the chromanol ring is shared by both tocopherols and tocotrienols and the only difference between these two subgroups of Vitamin E is the phytol side chain, we conclude that the polyunsaturated phytol group in tocotrienols plays a key preventive role in E2 epoxidation. This is the first report showing that the polyunsaturated phytol side chain in tocotrienols is involved in an antioxidative activity and it may also have a preventive effect against the E2 epoxide induced breast cancer carcinogenesis at the initiation.

Studies on the chemopreventive potentials of vegetable oils and unsaturated fatty acids against breast cancer carcinogenesis at initiation

The effect of dietary fat on breast cancer is a longstanding and an unresolved issue. We found that 17beta-estradiol (E2) could be activated by the epoxide-forming oxidant dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) to bind DNA-forming DNA adducts both in vitro and in vivo, and to inhibit nuclear RNA synthesis. We proposed that E2 epoxidation is the underlying mechanism for the initiation of breast cancer carcinogenesis (Carcinogenesis 17, 1957-61, 1996). This report is on the transcriptional and DNA-binding properties of vegetable oils and fatty acids, and on the potentials of these compounds to prevent the formation of E2 epoxide. The results show that vegetable oils, having no effect on nuclear RNA synthesis either before or after DMDO treatment, were all able to prevent the formation of E2 epoxide independent of their mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Similarly, unsaturated fatty acids, regardless of chain length and number of double bonds, were all able to prevent the formation of E2 epoxide as reflected by the loss of the ability of [3H]E2 to bind DNA. In contrast to vegetable oils, the results indicated that the unsaturated fatty acids palmitoleic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acid could be activated by DMDO to inhibit nuclear RNA synthesis, and that the mono-unsaturated fatty acids (i.e. palmitoleic and oleic acid) were stronger inhibitors than fatty acids with more than one double bond (e.g. linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acid). [32P]Post-labeling analysis revealed that under identical DMDO activation, the DNA adducts formed for oleic acid were 17098 adducts/10(8) nucleotides, which was 20-fold more than palmitoleic acid (815), and 120-fold more than alpha-linolenic acid (142). This result strongly suggests that oleic acid could be a potential initiating carcinogen after epoxidation.

17Beta-estradiol epoxidation as the molecular basis for breast cancer initiation and prevention

Epidemiological and animal studies have indicated that 17beta-estradiol (E2) is involved in breast cancer; however, the mechanism is unclear. We found that E2 could be activated by epoxidation, resulting in its ability to inhibit nuclear DNA-dependent RNA synthesis, and to bind DNA, forming DNA adducts both in vitro and in vivo. Because epoxidation is required for the activation of many chemical carcinogens, including benzo(a)pyrene, 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and aflatoxins, we proposed previously that E2 epoxidation is the underlying mechanism for the initiation of breast cancer. The first part of this review is to present the experimental evidence obtained from this laboratory in support of this hypothesis. Based on these newly discovered insights on E2 epoxidation and its initiation role in breast cancer carcinogenesis, a method to screen chemopreventive agents against breast cancer has been developed. This constitutes the second part of the review. Two examples will be used to illustrate the utility of this screening technique. The effect of fat on breast cancer has been a longstanding but unresolved issue. Epidemiological studies provide conflicting results regarding the association of dietary fat and breast cancer. Because vegetable oils contain various amount of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, they are potential antioxidants. Data are presented to show that commercial vegetable oils, independent of their mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acid content, are all able to prevent the formation of E2 epoxide, as measured by the loss of the ability of E2 to inhibit nuclear RNA synthesis in vitro. Tamoxifen (TAM), an anti-estrogen used for breast cancer treatment, has recently been found to have a strong breast cancer preventive effect. The mechanism for this is unknown. Using the same screening technique, we found that when incubated together with E2 for epoxidation, TAM was able to prevent the formation of E2 epoxide, as evidenced by both the loss of the ability of E2 to inhibit nuclear RNA synthesis and the reduced binding of [3H]-labelled E2 to nuclear DNA in a dose-dependent manner. These experimental results suggest that the breast cancer preventive effect of TAM is to prevent the formation of E2 epoxide through a competitive epoxidation mechanism with E2.

A proposed mechanism of tamoxifen in breast cancer prevention

Recent clinical trials suggest that tamoxifen (TAM) is a preventive agent for breast cancer, however, the mechanism is unknown. Previously, we found that both 17beta-estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) could be activated by epoxidation resulting in their ability to bind to DNA, forming DNA adducts both in vitro and in vivo, and to inhibit nuclear DNA-dependent RNA synthesis. Since epoxidation is required for the activation of many well-known chemical carcinogens including benzo(a)pyrene, 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene, aflatoxins, etc., we proposed that estrogen epoxidation is the underlying mechanism for the initiation of breast cancer (Carcinogenesis 17 (1996) 1957). Here, we report that TAM is able to dramatically inhibit the formation of E2 and E1 epoxides as measured by both the loss of their ability to inhibit nuclear DNA-dependent RNA synthesis and to bind to nuclear DNA. These findings suggest that the breast cancer preventive effect of TAM may be through a competitive epoxidation inhibition mechanism that prevents the formation of E2 and E1 epoxides and consequently, the initiation of breast cancer.

Prevention of chemical carcinogen DNA binding and inhibition of nuclear RNA polymerase activity by organosulfur compounds as the possible mechanisms for their anticancer initiation and proliferation effects

This report examines the transcriptional roles and DNA binding properties of the three major organosulfur compounds (OSCs) from garlic, diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl trisulfide (DATS). We found DADS and DATS, but not DAS, could be activated by the versatile epoxide-forming oxidant dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) and could strongly inhibit nuclear RNA synthesis in vitro. We also found that when incubated together with [3H]-labeled 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) for activation by DMDO, DADS and DATS, but not DAS, were able to prevent the binding of [3H]E(2) to DNA. This preventive effect of DADS and DATS was confirmed when liver microsomes were used, and further verified by 32P post-labeling analysis. Additionally, we discovered that the DMDO treated DADS and DATS, but not DAS, were able to directly inhibit the enzyme RNA polymerase per se. These novel findings provide new insights into the potential mechanisms of the preventive effects of OSCs on tumor initiation and promotion.

Priming effect of benzo[a]pyrene on monocyte oxidative metabolism: possible mechanisms

Monocytes, separated from human peripheral blood, were preincubated with different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for 24 h and the production of superoxide ions (O*2-) was then measured using as a stimulating agent phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. A significantly enhanced O*2- production is only observed when the cells are treated with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P); benzo[e]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene and 3-methylcholanthrene induce a small but not significant increase of O*2-. Anthracene has no effect, while phenanthrene slightly inhibits. The priming activity of B[a]P is unrelated to variations in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), as demonstrated by the inability of B[a]P to increase [Ca2+]i concentration in both monocytes and the promonocytic cell line U937. Furthermore, in monocytes the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, which can increase [Ca2+]i evokes a differentiation-like event associated with a decrease in the production of superoxide ions. These results further support that the enhancing activity of B[a]P on monocytes superoxide production is not mediated by an increase of [Ca2+]i. In contrast, the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in B[a]P-induced superoxide ion enhancement is suggested by the inhibitory effect of the specific antagonist alpha-naphthoflavone (alphaNF), while the tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) is not involved in the phenomenon. Thus, the interaction of B[a]P with its cytosolic receptor and either the metabolism of the compound into reactive intermediates or the over-expression of some unknown genes seem to be involved in an essential step in this process.

Evidence for the DNA binding and adduct formation of estrone and 17beta-estradiol after dimethyldioxirane activation

Estrogens, used widely from hormone replacement therapy to cancer treatment, are themselves carcinogenic, causing uterine and breast cancers. However, the mechanism of their carcinogenic action is still not known. Recently, we found that estrone (E1) and 17beta-estradiol (E2) could be activated by the versatile epoxide-forming oxidant dimethyldioxirane (DMDO), resulting in the inhibition of rat liver nuclear and nucleolar RNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Since epoxidation is often required for the activation of chemical carcinogens, we proposed that estrogen epoxidation is the underlying mechanism for the initiation of estrogen carcinogenesis (Carcinogenesis 17 (1996) 1957-1961). It is known that initiation requires the binding of a carcinogen to DNA with the formation of DNA adducts. One of the critical tests of our hypothesis is therefore to determine whether E1 and E2 after activation are able to bind DNA. This paper reports that after DMDO activation, [3H]E1 and [3H]E2 were able to bind to both A-T and G-C containing DNAs. Furthermore. the formation of E1-DNA and E2-DNA adducts was detected by 32P-postlabeling analysis.

Demonstration of benzo(a)pyrene-induced DNA damage in mice by alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis: evidence for strand breaks in liver but not in lymphocytes and bone marrow

Alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (also known as the 'comet assay') was used to measure DNA strand breaks and alkali-labile sites in peripheral lymphocytes, bone marrow and liver cells of C57BL/6 mice orally exposed to benzo(a)pyrene. Although this polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is a well-known genotoxic agent, little is known about to what extent it actually induces DNA strand breaks in peripheral lymphocytes and other tissues after in vivo exposure. Significant and dose-related damage was observed in liver cells after three days of exposure (lowest observed effect level being 3 x 100 mg benzo(a)pyrene/kg b.wt. No such damage could be observed in the lymphocytes and bone marrow cells even after administration of 3 x 150 mg benzo(a)pyrene/kg b.wt. The reference substance cyclophosphamide produced pronounced DNA damage in lymphocytes and bone marrow cells already in a single dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt. The present mouse study questions the usability of DNA strand breaks in peripheral lymphocytes as an indicator of benzo(a)pyrene-induced genotoxicity.

Genetic variation in cytochrome P-450-dependent demethylation in Drosophila melanogaster

The genetic variation in the basal capacity to N-demethylate aminopyrine, d-benzphetamine and ethylmorphine was studied in microsomes from adult Drosophila of 9 different strains. Ethylmorphine and d-benzphetamine N-demethylase activity varied about fourfold between the strains, with the highest capacity for both reactions in the Aflatoxin B1-sensitive Florida 9 and the lowest in the insecticide-resistant Hikone R. The two activities were closely correlated with each other but not with aminopyrine demethylation or any previously studied cytochrome P-450-dependent reaction, indicating a common determination by a separate cytochrome P-450 form(s). Aminopyrine N-demethylase activity was more than fourfold higher in the DDT-resistant Oregon R than in Berlin K. A genetic analysis of aminopyrine N-demethylation revealed that the high activity in the Oregon R(R) strain was inherited as an apparently semidominant second chromosome trait. The similar mode of inheritance as well as the close correlation between aminopyrine demethylase and the previously analysed biphenyl 4-hydroxylase activity suggests that these activities are under the same genetic control.

Occupational liver injury. Present state of knowledge and future perspective

Epidemiological studies have mapped the occurrence of hepatitis B among health personnel with the use of specific serologic markers and thereby made rational preventive precautions possible. Follow-up studies have demonstrated the effect of this prevention, and the newly developed hepatitis B vaccine has further improved the possibilities for effective prophylaxis against occupational hepatitis B. On the other hand, there is the chemically induced occupational liver damage. Only a few of the thousands of industrially used chemicals have been sufficiently investigated for hepatotoxicity and the list of suspected and confirmed hepatotoxic agents is still growing. The worrisome example of vinylchloride-induced serious liver disease among PVC-workers, revealed after 42 years of industrial use by alert clinicians, calls for intensified activities in the field of occupational hepatotoxicity. However, the clinical, biochemical, and morphological features of liver disease are often vague and unspecific. A non-invasive, convenient quantitative liver function test is needed. Circumstantial evidence and a few epidemiological studies suggest that part of the so-called cryptogenic liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, may be caused by occupational exposure to chemicals. This should be further studies. Animal experiments have shown that one chemical agent may potentiate the hepatotoxic effect of another chemical agent. This should be the subject of investigations in the work environment, where exposure to various chemicals is the rule rather than the exception. Alcohol consumption may also interfere with the hepatotoxicity of occupationally used chemicals.

The in vivo uptake of tritiated thymidine as a potential short-term test of toxic effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different organs

A rapid in vivo test for toxicity is described where the test substance is allowed to distribute and metabolize in the intact mouse. Quantitative data are provided on the effect of 3 different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the DNA turnover in various organs, measured as the incorporation of tritiated thymidine. In accordance with previously reported carcinogenic potencies, 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA) was more potent in inhibiting the thymidine incorporation than benzo[alpha]pyrene (B[alpha]P). The inhibitory effect was most pronounced in spleen, lung, pancreas, small intestine and kidney, resulting in a decrease of incorporated activity with up to 80%. There was no evidence for the existence of specific target organs for DMBAs effects on thymidine incorporation as indicated by an inhibitory action in all organs studied. A decreased thymidine incorporation after administration of DMBA could also be demonstrated with whole-body autoradiography. The inhibitory effect of B[alpha]P was most pronounced in thymus, spleen, small intestine and testis, the average decrease of incorporated activity being more than 40% after 48 h. Contrary to the wide action of the above mentioned polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, an equimolar dose of anthracene lacked significant effects on the various organs.

Genetic variation in cytochrome P-450 and xenobiotic metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster

A marked genetic variation in the capacity to perform xenobiotic metabolism was observed in microsomal fractions from the seven Drosophila strains studied. A 1,5 to 2-fold variation was found in the content of cytochrome P-450 and in the NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity. The two insecticide-resistant strains Hikone R and Oregon R differed markedly when compared to sensitive strains by having a 3 to 17-fold higher p-nitroanisole (PNA) demethylase activity and biphenyl-3-hydroxylase activity. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the microsomes also revealed an increased content of a protein band with an apparent mol. wt of 54,000 in the resistant strains. The 4-hydroxylation of biphenyl was also 2-7-fold higher in the Oregon R strain, and the band with a mol. wt of 56,000 had a higher protein content compared to the other strains. The biphenyl-4-hydroxylation was several-fold lower in the strain Berlin K. 2-OH-biphenyl was formed only in trace amounts by all strains. 7-Ethoxycoumarin (EC) deethylase activity and benzo(a)pyrene (BP) monooxygenase activity was 2-6-fold lower in the Hikone R strain. An increased amount of the protein with a mol. wt of 58,000 was noted in the Canton S strain. No concomitant increase in any enzyme activity was observed. A genetic variation between the strains was observed after phenobarbital (PB) treatment in the content of cytochrome P-450 and in the various enzyme activities, varying from non-responsiveness to a 4- to 5-fold increase. Aroclor 1254 (PCB) was less efficient in enhancing the activities. It caused maximally a 3-fold increase, had often no effect and in some cases even decreased the metabolism. beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) caused only marginal increases in the activities in most strains. The only significant effects were an increased formation of 3-OH-biphenyl in Berlin K and an enhanced NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity in Lausanne-S. In conclusion, the variations observed in this study provide a basis for further studies on the genetic regulation of the cytochrome P-450 system in Drosophila. Furthermore, similarities in the regulation when compared to mammals indicate that studies on this genetically well characterized organism might contribute to the general understanding of the genetics of xenobiotic metabolism.

Noninvasive assessment of microsomal enzyme activity in occupational medicine: present state of knowledge and future perspectives

The activity of the hepatic microsomal enzyme system, which may be of great importance for metabolic activation and deactivation of hepatotoxic agents and carcinogens, is changed by exposure to commonly used industrial chemicals. The antipyrine test is the most widely used method for assessing microsomal enzyme activity in man. The clearance of antipyrine can be accurately calculated from one sample of saliva obtained about 24 h after an oral dose of the drug. By measuring antipyrine metabolism during exposure to industrial chemicals and at the end of 3-4 weeks free from exposure, the impact of industrial chemicals on antipyrine metabolism can be estimated, provided the chemicals are eliminated within 3-4 weeks. This test can be performed by skilled and unskilled workers using written instructions. This has broadened the application of the test. Other noninvasive indices of microsomal enzyme activity include the aminopyrine and caffeine breath tests and the urinary excretion of 6-beta-hydroxycortisol and D-glucaric acid. These tests probably reflect the activity of different but overlapping parts of the microsomal enzyme system and may be of value in research in occupational medicine. Previous studies indicate that chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, phenoxyacids, chlorophenols, polychlorinated biphenyles, some organic solvents and high concentrations of inhalation anaesthetics may stimulate microsomal enzyme activity, while styrene, toluene and inhalation anaesthetics in concentrations at about the allowed safety limit values have no effect. Lead, chemicals used by spray painters, and carbon disulphide probably inhibit the activity. While the short-term consequences of these changes include altered metabolism of hormones, vitamins, drugs, and other microsomally metabolized compounds, the possible impact on health on a long-term scale is unknown. It is now possible to study this with the use of the available noninvasive simple indices of microsomal enzyme activity. The potentially useful applications include biological monitoring of environmental carcinogenesis and hepatotoxicity.

Rat nasal tissue activation of benzo(a)pyrene and 2-aminoanthracene to mutagens in Salmonella typhimurium

Cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase activity has been measured in the nasal turbinates of dogs and rats. The capacity of male Fischer-344 rat nasal tissue to bioactivate benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) to mutagens in Salmonella typhimurium was investigated. 2-AA was mutagenic in strains TA98 and TA100 when nasal tissue S-9 was utilized as the activating enzyme system and BaP was mutagenic in strain TA100. At all doses and protein concentrations tested, 2-AA displayed nearly 500-1000 times greater bacterial mutagenicity than BaP. In strain TA-100, nasal tissue S-9 was approximately twice as active toward 2-AA as lung S-9 and 75% as active as liver S-9. Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was detected in rat nasal tissue when 14C-BaP was used as a substrate. Rat nasal tissue metabolized BaP to several oxidized metabolites which included dihydrodiols, quinones, and phenols. 3-Hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene and BaP-3, 6-quinone were the major metabolites detected (150 pmoles/mg protein/30 min). These results indicate that rat nasal tissue can metabolize promutagens to reactive species which may play an important role in xenobiotic-induced nasal tumors.

Hepatic microsomal enzyme function in technicians and anesthesiologists exposed to halothane and nitrous oxide

It is controversial whether daily occupational exposure to halothane stimulates (induces) the hepatic microsomal enzyme function in man. We investigated two groups of persons with different degrees of exposure to halothane: Six technicians who for years had been employed with repair and control of anesthesiologic equipment resulting in exposure to about 7 ppm of halothane and 50 ppm of nitrous oxide, and seven anesthesiologists exposed during months to about 2 ppm of halothane and 75 ppm of nitrous oxide. The clearance of antipyrine was determined from saliva concentrations before and 4 wk after discontinuation of exposure. Matched control persons were investigated simultaneously. No significant differences were found between the half-life, apparent volume of distribution, or clearance of antipyrine either within the groups or between the groups. If the antipyrine data from both exposure groups are compared to those of the control groups, the data exclude (95% confidence limit) that antipyrine metabolism increased by more than 3% during exposure to waste anesthetics. This indicates that occupational exposure to halothane in concentrations above the proposed maximal time weighted average concentration of 2 ppm does not change the microsomal activity.