Centrolobular hepatic necrosis related to covalent binding of metabolites of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons

The Different Genotoxicity of P-Dichlorobenzene in Mouse and Rat: Measurement of the in Vivo and in Vitro Covalent Interaction with Nucleic Acids

Twenty-two hours after i.p. injection to male Wistar rats and BALB/c mice para-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) is bound covalently to DNA from liver, kidney, lung and stomach of mice but not of rats. DNA adducts in mouse liver are repaired in seventy-two hours. The covalent binding index value, calculated on the labelling of mouse liver DNA, classifies p-DCB as a weak initiator with an oncogenic activity lower than that of chlorobenzene. The labelling of RNA and proteins from the different organs of both species is, however, low. In vitro interaction with calf thymus DNA mediated by mouse and rat microsomes from liver and lung did occur. Binding extent was strongly reduced by addition of 2-diethylaminoethyl-2,2-diphenylvalerate hydrochloride (SKF 525-A) to the microsomal standard incubation mixture, whereas it was enhanced by adding GSH. Cytosolic fractions from kidney and lung were able to induce binding of p-DCB to DNA to a lower extent with respect to microsome-mediated binding. These results indicate that microsomal mixed function oxidase system and microsomal GSH-transferases can be involved in overall activating metabolism whereas cytosolic GSH-transferases play a minor role. This study, which is a part of a structure-activity relationship approach on benzene and its haloderivatives, provides the first evidence of genotoxicity of p-DCB in mammalian cell. It allows to partly explain variations of susceptibility of different species to hepatocarcinogenesis and of hepatotoxicity of different isomers.

In Vivo and in Vitro Interaction of 1,2-Dichlorobenzene with Nucleic Acids and Proteins of Mice and Rats

Twenty-two hours after i.p. injection into male Wistar rats and BALB/c mice, 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCB) was covalently bound to DNA, RNA, and proteins of liver, kidney, lung and stomach. The covalent binding index to liver DNA was typical of carcinogens classified as weak initiators. The enzyme-mediated in vitro interaction of 1,2-DCB with calf thymus DNA of synthetic polyribonucleotides was carried out by a microsomal mixed-function oxidase system and microsomal GSH-transferases, which seemed to be effective only in liver and lung of rat and mouse. Cytosolic GSH-transferases played a minor role in 1,2-DCB bioactivation. The latter finding provides the first evidence of 1,2-DCB genotoxicity in mammalian cells. The type of halide, the number of halosubstituents and their spatial disposition on the benzene ring are the major determinants of halobenzenes activability to intermediate(s) capable of interacting covalently with DNA and other macromolecules in biologic systems.

Liver protein targets of hepatotoxic 4-bromophenol metabolites

The hepatotoxicity of bromobenzene (BB) is directly related to the covalent binding of both initially formed epoxide and secondary quinone metabolites to at least 45 different liver proteins. 4-Bromophenol (4BP) is a significant BB metabolite and a precursor to reactive quinone metabolites; yet, when administered exogenously, it has negligible hepatotoxicity as compared to BB. The protein adducts of 4BP were thus labeled as nontoxic [Monks, T. J., Hinson, J. A., and Gillette, J. R. (1982) Life Sci. 30, 841-848]. To help identify which BB-derived adducts might be related to its cytotoxicity, we sought to identify the supposedly nontoxic adducts of 4BP and eliminate them from the BB target protein list. Administration of [(14)C]-4BP to phenobarbital-induced rats resulted in covalent binding of 0.25, 0.33, and 0.42 nmol equiv 4BP/mg protein in the mitochondrial, microsomal, and cytosolic fractions, respectively. These values may be compared to published values of 3-6 nmol/mg protein from a comparable dose of [(14)C]-BB. After subcellular fractionation and 2D electrophoresis, 47 radioactive spots on 2D gels of the mitochondrial, microsomal, and cytosolic fractions were excised, digested, and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Twenty-nine of these spots contained apparently single proteins, of which 14 were nonredundant. Nine of the 14 are known BB targets. Incubating freshly isolated rat hepatocytes with 4BP (0.1-0.5 mM) produced time- and concentration-dependent increases in lactate dehydrogenase release and changes in cellular morphology. LC-MS/MS analysis of the cell culture medium revealed rapid and extensive sulfation and glucuronidation of 4BP as well as formation of a quinone-derived glutathione conjugate. Studies with 7-hydroxycoumarin, (-)-borneol, or D-(+)-galactosamine showed that inhibiting the glucuronidation/sulfation of 4BP increased the formation of a GSH-bromoquinone adduct, increased covalent binding of 4BP to hepatocyte proteins, and potentiated its cytotoxicity. Taken together, our data demonstrate that protein adduction by 4BP metabolites can be toxicologically consequential and provide a mechanistic explanation for the failure of exogenously administered 4BP to cause hepatotoxicity. Thus, the probable reason for the low toxicity of 4BP in vivo is that rapid conjugation limits its oxidation and covalent binding and thus its toxicity.

Repeated dosing with the peroxisome proliferator clofibrate decreases the toxicity of model hepatotoxic agents in male mice

Pretreatment of mice with clofibrate (CFB) has been shown to protect against acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity. To determine if pretreatment with CFB prevents the toxicity of other model hepatotoxicants, male C57BL6J or CD-1 mice received 500 mg CFB/kg, i.p., daily for 10 days, and then were challenged with either 250 mg bromobenzene (BrB)/kg, 0.025 ml carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)/kg or 0.5 ml chloroform (CHCl3)/kg. Liver and kidney injury was assessed by plasma sorbitol dehydrogenase activity (SDH) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), respectively and histopathology. Challenge with BrB significantly elevated plasma SDH activity in C57Bl6J mice. This was prevented in CFB pretreated mice receiving the same dose of BrB. Changes in BUN were not detected in either group of BrB treated mice. Similarly, pretreatment of male CD-1 mice with CFB significantly reduced CCl4-induced elevation in plasma SDH activity, with no BUN elevation detected in either group. CFB pretreatment also diminished elevation in plasma SDH activity produced by CHCl3 in CD-1 mice, while BUN was significantly elevated in both groups, indicating that CFB did not protect against CHCl3-induced nephrotoxicity. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney sections confirmed these results. This study shows that mice pretreated with CFB were protected from toxicity at 24 h after challenge with other model hepatotoxic agents besides APAP.

Species and strain differences in the hepatic cytochrome P450-mediated biotransformation of 1,4-dichlorobenzene

Our goal was to characterize possible species and strain differences in the hepatic microsomal biotransformation of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB). Experiments compared extent of labeled 1,4-DCB conversion to oxidized metabolites, glutathione conjugates, and covalently bound metabolites by hepatic microsomes from humans, from male B6C3F1 mice, and from males of three rat strains (Fischer 344, Sprague-Dawley (SD), and Wistar). These rodents were selected for comparison because of their dissimilar responses to 1,4-DCB, notably, hepatocarcinogenicity in the B6C3F1 mouse but not the Wistar or Fischer rat, and nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity in the Fischer rat. The species rank order for total in vitro conversion of 1,4-DCB was mouse > rat >> human. Conversion by microsomes from Fischer and Wistar rats was similar, whereas SD rats showed less biotransformation than the other two strains. Microsomes from the mouse produced most of the reactive metabolites as indicated by covalent binding to macromolecules (>20% of total metabolites formed). This covalent binding by mouse microsomes was extensively inhibited by ascorbic acid (AA), with a concomitant increase in hydroquinone formation, indicating an important role for benzoquinones as reactive metabolites. Phenobarbital pretreatment of rats enhanced the in vitro conversion of 1,4-DCB and the amount of covalent binding. Covalent binding for all rat microsomes was partly (33-79%) inhibited by AA. Addition of glutathione (GSH) plus AA further diminished the covalent binding with concomitant increased formation of the GSH-conjugated epoxide. Human microsomes produced the least reactive metabolites, with the majority (>70%) of this covalent binding prevented by GSH addition. The observed species differences, notably the more pronounced biotransformation of 1,4-DCB to reactive species including benzoquinones, could be factors in this compound's liver carcinogenicity in B6C3F1 mice but not other rodent species.

Kinetics and metabolism of 1,4-dichlorobenzene in male Wistar rats: no evidence for quinone metabolites

The biotransformation and kinetics of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) were studied in male Wistar rats at three oral dose levels (10, 50 and 250 mg/kg). The effect of induction of CYP2E1 by isoniazid on the kinetics and biotransformation was determined. Excretion was predominantly via the urine (78-85%) and to a small extent via the faeces (2-5%). The relative contributions of these routes were not dose dependent. Excretion via the bile ranged from less than 5% at the low dose level to 30% at the high dose level. The major biliary metabolite was the glucuronide of 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP). The time point at which the plasma concentrations of the parent compound and the metabolites were maximal (TCmax) as well as the maximum concentrations (Cmax) increased with higher dose level. Induction by isoniazid resulted in a faster urinary elimination, whereas TCmax and Cmax were lower for induced rats. In addition, the area under the blood curve (AUC) was smaller and total clearance was higher for induced rats. 1,4-DCB was mainly metabolized to 2,5-DCP (ca. 90%), which was detected in the urine as its sulfate (50-60%), glucuronide (20-30%) and the free form (5-10%). Minor metabolites were the N-acetyl-cysteine-S-dihydro-hydroxy-1,4-dichlorobenzene and the corresponding dehydrated N-acetyl-cysteine-S-1,4-dichlorobenzene, which comprised ca. 10% of total metabolites. No hydroquinones were observed for the male Wistar rat, not even under conditions of induced oxidative metabolism.

Dose-dependent kinetics and metabolism of 1,2-dichlorobenzene in rat: effect of pretreatment with phenobarbital

1. Toxicity of halobenzenes has been ascribed mainly to their epoxides, but recent studies with bromobenzene have shown that secondary quinone metabolites are also involved in the alkylation of hepatic proteins. However, the relative contribution of the quinones and the epoxides to the toxicity of halobenzenes is still unclear. In order to investigate the relation between metabolism and toxicity of 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCB), the biotransformation, tissue distribution, blood kinetics, and excretion at three different oral dose levels (5, 50 and 250 mg/kg) of the radiolabelled compound were investigated in the male Wistar rat. A toxic dose level (250 mg/kg, as demonstrated by Allis et al. 1992) was included. 2. The major route of elimination (75-85%) was renal excretion. Excretion via the faeces ranged from 19% for the low dose to 7% for the high-dose level. Excretion was nearly complete within 24 h for the low and mid-dose level, and within 48 h for the high-dose level. Pretreatment with phenobarbital resulted in a more rapid excretion for the high-dose level and an overall higher urinary excretion. Biliary excretion was 50-60%, indicating a considerable enterohepatic circulation. 3. Highest concentrations of radioactivity after a low dose were found in fat, liver and kidney at 6 h after administration, and then declined rapidly. 4. The maximum concentration of radioactivity in blood was reached at 6-8 h for the low and mid-dose level, and at 24 h for the high-dose level. The concentration of parent chemical was essentially constant during 3 and 6 h for the mid- and high-dose level respectively, and then declined. 1,2-DCB could only be detected in blood in the first 2 h after administration of the 5-mg/kg dose. 5. The major route of biotransformation was via the glutathione pathway and 60% of the urinary metabolites were mercapturic acids. In addition, the major metabolites in bile were conjugates of glutathione. Other major metabolites in urine were the sulphate conjugates of 2,3- and 3,4-dichlorophenol (DCP). No significant differences in metabolic profiles were observed between the different doses. Induction with phenobarbital resulted in the increased excretion of sulphate conjugates (30% in the induced rat, 20% in the control rat), mainly the conjugate of 3,4-DCP. 6. The mercapturic acids in urine and glutathione conjugates in bile were epoxide-derived, whereas no quinone- or hydroquinone-derived metabolites were observed. Therefore the hepatotoxicity of 1,2-dichlorobenzene is assumed to be related, at least partly, to the presence of the intermediate arene oxide. A high dose of 1,2-DCB will result in depletion of GSH, followed by oxidative stress and possible binding to macromolecules.

Comparative metabolism and toxicity of dichlorobenzenes in Sprague-Dawley, Fischer-344 and human liver slices

1. Precision-cut liver slices, prepared from Sprague-Dawley and Fischer-344 rats and donated human liver tissue, were used to identify differences in 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCB), 1,3-dichlorobenzene (1,3-DCB) and 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) metabolism and how it may relate to toxicity. 2. Rat and human liver slices were incubated with 1 mM of either dichlorobenzene to determine metabolism and toxicity, at 2 and 6 h of organ culture. 3. The human liver slices metabolised the dichlorobenzenes to a greater extent than those from either of the rat strains. Liver slices from the Fischer-344 strain had a higher metabolic rate than the slices from the Sprague-Dawley rat strain. 4. The metabolic rate of dichlorobenzene isomers did not consistently correlate with its toxicity. For example, human slices did not exhibit any hepatoxicity, even though they metabolised these compounds to a greater extent than either rat strain. 5. Cross species covalent binding did not correlate with toxicity endpoints measured in this study. 6. The phase two metabolite profiles for each of the isomers in human and rat slices were similar in that the glutathione-cysteine conjugate was the major metabolite. 7. The use of an in vitro system which utilises human liver slices might provide an important bridge between animal derived data and the human situation.

Biotransformation and toxicity of halogenated benzenes

1. Multiple potentially harmful metabolites can be distinguished in the metabolic activation of halogenated benzenes: epoxides, phenols, benzoquinones and benzoquinone-derived glutathione conjugates. 2. The role of these (re-) active metabolites in the toxic effects induced by halogenated benzenes such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, porphyria and thyroid toxicity is discussed. 3. Evidence is presented suggesting that the formation of reactive benzoquinone metabolites rather than the traditional epoxides is linked to halogenated benzene-induced hepatotoxicity. 4. A crucial role for the benzoquinone-derived glutathione adducts in halogenated benzene-induced nephrotoxicity is clearly established. 5. Although metabolic activation appears to be involved in porphyria, the nature of the ultimate porphyrinogenic metabolite has not been elucidated yet. 6. Disturbances in thyroid hormone (and retinoid) homeostasis can be (at least partially) explained by the formation of halogenated phenol metabolites. 7. In conclusion, for a relevant prediction of the ultimate fate of a compound in a living organism, one should know the chemical characteristics and reactivity of the parent compound and its metabolites, together with insight into the formation mechanism of each of the suspected metabolites, and an understanding of the interaction between a specific chemical (reactive) structure and its target molecule.

Bromobenzene detoxification in the human liver-derived HepG2 cell line

1. The applicability of the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, as a cell culture model for studying xenobiotic liver toxicity has been investigated using the well-characterized hepatotoxic chemical, bromobenzene. 2. Bromobenzene caused a concentration- (0-10 mM) and time-dependent (0-180 min) decrease in HepG2 cell viability. The degree of toxicity was dependent upon the culture medium composition and the state of cell growth. Toxicity in Modified Earle's and Williams' E Media was maximal at 7 days growth compared with 3 and 10 days, and was greater in Williams' than in Earle's medium. Toxicity in Dulbecco's medium was apparent only at 10 days growth and was less than the maximum toxicity in the other media. 3. Bromobenzene was detoxified by epoxide hydrase. The question of metabolic activation by P450 remained unresolved, but any involvement of P450 was by forms not inhibited by ketoconazole. 4. The mechanism of bromobenzene toxicity did not appear to involve lipid peroxidation, depletion of reduced glutathione, calcium-mediated proteolysis or metabolic activation by prostaglandin synthetase, but may have involved direct solvent-induced cell damage. 5. This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of HepG2 cells in toxicity testing and highlights the importance of standardizing culture conditions.

Correlation of metabolism, covalent binding and toxicity for a series of bromobenzene derivatives using rat liver slices in vitro

For many acute-acting chemicals, toxic responses observed in vivo correlate strongly with metabolic activation and macromolecular covalent binding (CVB) observed in vitro and often in vivo; bromobenzene (BB) is a classic example of this behavior. Substituent groups modulate the toxicity of bromobenzene in vivo and in liver slices cultured in vitro in parallel fashion [Fisher, R., Hanzlik, R.P., Gandolfi, J.A., and Brendel, K. (1992), In Vitro Toxicology, 4, 173-186]. In the present study we used the liver slice system to examine the relationship between toxicity, metabolism and covalent binding amongst a series of [3H/14C] dual labelled BB derivatives including (in order of increasing hepatotoxicity) o-bromoanisole (BA), o-bromotoluene (BT), o-bromobenzonitrile (BBN), BB and o-dibromobenzene (DBB). Among these congeners apparent relative rates of metabolism varied only 4-fold, but the most extensively metabolized compounds were the least toxic. CVB varied 7-fold across the series, and those compounds which bound the most frequently were the most toxic. For each compound the relative binding index (RBI = pmol bound/nmol metabolized) and the average retention of tritium relative to carbon-14 in the CVB fraction were constant throughout the 24 h incubations, suggesting that the metabolic profile of each compound remained constant with time. The RBI values, however, did not reflect relative toxicity as well as total CVB values. The T/C ratios of the CVB residues varied from 0.36 (for BA) to 0.81 (for BBN), indicating that ortho-substitution on BB exerts important qualitative as well as quantitative effects on overall metabolism and reactive metabolite formation. The finding that relative toxicity among a series of bromobenzene congeners is paralleled by their relative covalent binding measured in the same system in which toxicity is assessed adds support to the hypothesis that covalent binding contributes to the observed toxicity, rather than merely being a correlated epiphenomenon.

The involvement of primary and secondary metabolism in the covalent binding of 1,2- and 1,4-dichlorobenzenes

The microsomal oxidation of 1,2-[14C]- and 1,4-[14C]dichlorobenzene (DICB) was investigated with special attention for possible differences in biotransformation that might contribute to the isomer-specific hepatotoxicity. Major metabolites of both isomers were dichlorophenols (2,5-DICP for 1,4-DICB and 2,3- and 3,4-DICP for 1,2-DICB, respectively) and dichlorohydroquinones. The formation of polar dihydrodiols appeared to be a major route for 1,2-DICB but not 1,4-DICB. Both the hepatotoxic 1,2-DICB and the non-hepatotoxic 1,4-DICB were oxidized to metabolites that covalently interacted with protein and only to a small extent with DNA. Protein binding could be inhibited by the addition of the reducing agent ascorbic acid with a concomitant increase in the formation of hydroquinones and catechols, indicating the involvement of reactive benzoquinone metabolites in protein binding. However, in the presence of ascorbic acid, a substantial amount of protein-bound metabolites of 1,2-DICB was still observed, in contrast to 1,4-DICB where binding was nearly completely inhibited. This latter effect was ascribed to the direct formation of reactive benzoquinone metabolites in a single P450-mediated oxidation of para-substituted dichlorophenols (such as 3,4-DICP) in the case of 1,2-DICB. In contrast, the major phenol isomer derived from 1,4-DICB (i.e. 2,5-DICP) is oxidized to its hydroquinone derivative, which needs prior oxidation in order to generate the reactive benzoquinone species. Residual protein binding in the presence of ascorbic acid could also indicate the involvement of reactive arene oxides in the protein binding of 1,2-DICB, but not of 1,4-DICB. However, MO computer calculations did not provide indications for differences in chemical reactivity and/or stability of the various arene oxide/oxepin tautomers that can be formed from either 1,2-DICB or 1,4-DICB. In conclusion, reactive intermediates in the secondary metabolism of 1,2-DICB lead to more covalent binding than those derived from 1,4-DICB, which correlates very well with their reported hepatotoxic potency.

Severe monochlorobenzene-induced liver cell necrosis

Benzene derivatives can induce severe liver cell necrosis in animals. A case of a 40-year-old man whose daily consumption of alcohol was 200 g and who had a severe monochlorobenzene-induced liver necrosis is described. Liver biopsy specimen showed centrilobular and mediolobular necrosis, similar to that in mice after experimental bromobenzene administration. Monochlorobenzene serum concentration, assayed from day 3 to day 15 after poisoning, decreased monoexponentially with a half-life of 40.3 hours. Prostaglandin E1 was administered from day 3 to day 8. The patient ultimately recovered. The mechanism of monochlorobenzene-induced liver injury and the possible aggravating role of chronic alcohol consumption are discussed.

The liver, kidney, and thyroid toxicity of chlorinated benzenes

The acute toxicity of a number of chlorinated benzenes, ranging from monosubstituted to pentasubstituted benzenes, was studied in rats. Toxic effects on the liver, the kidneys, and the thyroid were monitored after a single ip administration of 1, 2, or 4 mmol/kg monochlorobenzene (MCB), 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DICB), 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DICB), 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TRCB), and pentachlorobenzene (PECB). Due to its low solubility, 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene (1,2,4,5-TECB) was tested at a highest dose of 0.8 mmol/kg. 1,2-DICB and 1,2,4-TRCB produced the most severe hepatotoxic effects when compared with an equimolar dose of the other chlorinated benzenes, as determined by plasma ALT profile and histopathological changes after 72 hr. MCB was considerably less hepatotoxic. Severe degenerative damage to the kidney was only observed in a few rats treated with 1,2,4-TRCB. However, protein droplets in the tubular epithelial cells were observed at 72 hr after administration of 1,4-DICB, 1,2,4-TRCB, 1,2,4,5-TECB, and PECB. In the latter two groups, these protein droplets were still observed 9 days after administration. All chlorinated benzenes tested excluding MCB induced a reduction in plasma thyroxine levels. The extent of decrease in plasma thyroxine was more severe in rats treated with 1,2,4-TRCB or PECB and correlated well with the relative binding affinities of the phenolic metabolites to the plasma transport protein for thyroxine, i.e., transthyretin. The present study indicates that the establishment of a structure-activity relationship with regard to toxicity depends on the sensitivity of the respective target organs. In the series of (poly)chlorinated benzenes studied, ranging from mono- to pentachlorobenzene, the most severe effects on liver, kidney, and thyroid were observed for 1,2,4-substitution.

Potential tolerance against bromobenzene-induced acute hepatotoxicity due to prior subchronic exposure

Groups of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated i.p. with 0, 0.3 and 0.5 mmole bromobenzene (BB)/kg per day in corn oil, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Thereafter, one half of each of these groups was treated i.p. with a single acute toxic dose of 2.5 mmole BB/kg. Urines were then collected for 24 h and the animals were then sacrificed. The hepatotoxicity induced by an acute dose of BB was significantly reduced due to prior subchronic exposure to BB at 0.5 mmol/kg, but not so at 0.3 mmol/kg. These data indicate a potential tolerance against acute hepatotoxicity of BB due to prior subchronic exposure. A significant increase in the urinary excretion of thioethers or mercapturic acids of BB combined with a significant increase in the urinary level of p-bromocatechol due to prior subchronic treatment with 0.5 mmol BB/kg relative to those due to acute treatment alone was observed. Thus enhanced bromobenzene metabolism could partly explain such potential tolerance against its acute hepatotoxicity. Such protection may also be related to certain cellular events which might occur subsequent to metabolic activation of BB.

The response of the rat liver in situ to bromobenzene--in vivo proton magnetic resonance imaging and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies

Proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have been used to study the response of the rat liver in situ to bromobenzene, a classic hepatotoxicant. A localized region of high proton signal intensity was seen in the perihilar region of the liver 24 hr after injection of a sublethal dose of bromobenzene. The signal intensity of the entire liver was increased at 48 hr with a gradual return approaching control values by 120 hr. These results are consistent with acute hepatic edema followed by repair of the damaged tissue. In vivo 31P MRS studies of the same rat livers were performed under conditions whereby localized, quantitative spectra could be obtained without surgical intervention. Initial concentrations of the major endogenous phosphorus-containing metabolites within the livers of control rats were 2.97 +/- 0.43 mM for the phosphomonoesters (PME), 2.92 +/- 0.56 mM for inorganic phosphate, 11.3 +/- 1.0 mM for phosphodiesters (PDE), 4.09 +/- 0.54 mM for ATP, and 0.56 +/- 0.50 mM for ADP and the intracellular pH was 7.39 +/- 0.14 (mean +/- SD, n = 10). Bromobenzene was found to cause statistically significant (p less than 0.05) changes in several of these metabolites: a decrease in hepatic ATP levels (20% at 24 hr; 27% at 48 hr), a decrease in PDE levels (15% at 24 hr; 18% at 48 hr), and an increase in the PME (63% at 24 hr; 84% at 48 hr). Both the proton MRI and the 31P MRS changes have an onset of 15-20 hr and maximum effect at 25-60 hr, but the MRS changes returned to normal well before the MRI changes. The decreased ATP levels indicate deleterious effects of bromobenzene on the bioenergetic status of the liver in situ, while the increase in PME, due to a selective increase in phosphocholine, suggests the activation of a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C in response to tissue damage. Trolox C, a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, prevented the bromobenzene-induced hepatic edema (i.e., the increase in proton MRI signal intensity) and the bioenergetic deterioration (i.e., the decrease in ATP levels). However, the bromobenzene-induced increase in PME levels was not prevented by Trolox C. These results indicate that the process of lipid peroxidation plays a significant role in the hepatotoxicity of bromobenzene within the intact animal.

In-vitro hepatotoxicity of three dichlorobenzene isomers in human liver slices

1 The cytotoxicity of dichlorobenzenes in cultured rat liver slices has previously been shown to be strain specific and biotransformation related. 2 In order to extrapolate animal models to humans, the dichlorobenzenes were incubated with human liver slices to try to clarify their hepatotoxic potential in man. 3 The degree of hepatotoxicity observed with the dichlorobenzenes depended on whether Waymouth's or Krebs-Henseleit was used as the incubation medium. 4 All three dichlorobenzenes (1 mM) produced no significant differences from control when incubated in Waymouth's medium. However, in the Krebs-Henseleit buffer there was a substantial increase in cytotoxicity. 5 In both incubation mediums the dichlorobenzene isomers exhibited the following rank order 1,3-DCB greater than 1,2-DCB greater than 1,4-DCB. 6 1,2-dichlorobenzene hepatotoxicity was blocked by metyrapone, 1,3-dichlorobenzene toxicity was blocked by SKF 525-A and neither one of these inhibitors could block the 1,4-dichlorobenzene cytotoxicity. 7 The use of human liver tissues to evaluate potential toxicants merits consideration since the hepatotoxicity of xenobiotics and drugs in man is the ultimate question.

Glutathione depletion: its effects on other antioxidant systems and hepatocellular damage

1. The mechanisms of the liver damage produced by three glutathione (GSH)-depleting agents, bromobenzene, allyl alcohol and diethyl maleate, were investigated. 2. With each toxin liver necrosis was accompanied by lipid peroxidation that developed only after severe depletion of GSH. 3. Changes in antioxidant systems by alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid were studied. A decrease in the hepatic level of vitamin E, and a change in the redox state of vitamin C (increase in oxidized over reduced form) were evident whenever extensive lipid peroxidation developed. However, in the case of bromobenzene intoxication these alterations preceded lipid peroxidation, and may be an index of oxidative stress leading to subsequent membrane damage. 4. Experiments carried out with vitamin E-deficient or supplemented diets indicated that pathological phenomena occurring as a consequence of GSH depletion depend on hepatic levels of vitamin E. In vitamin E-deficient animals, lipid peroxidation and liver necrosis appeared earlier than in animals fed the control diet. In animals fed a vitamin E-supplemented diet, bromobenzene and allyl alcohol had only limited toxicity, and diethyl maleate none, in spite of similar hepatic GSH depletion. Thus, vitamin E may largely modulate the expression of toxicity by GSH-depleting agents.

Involvement of reversible binding to alpha 2u-globulin in 1,4-dichlorobenzene-induced nephrotoxicity

Similarly to unleaded gasoline, 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) administered for 2 years caused a dose-related increase in the incidence of renal tumors in male but not in female rats or in either sex of mice. Unleaded gasoline and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (TMP), a component of unleaded gasoline, increased protein droplet formation and cell proliferation in male but not in female rat kidneys. These protein droplets contained, alpha 2u-globulin, a male rat-specific low-molecular-weight protein and 2,4,4-trimethyl-2-pentanol, a metabolite of TMP that was reversibly bound to this protein. Studies were undertaken to determine if 1,4-DCB produced similar effects; 1,2-DCB was used for comparison since it did not produce renal carcinogenesis in male rats. Gel filtration chromatography of a 116,000g supernatant prepared from kidneys of 1,4-[14C]DCB-treated rats showed that radiolabel coeluted with alpha 2u-globulin as one sharp peak as opposed to a multipeak pattern observed for 1,2-[14C]DCB; the maximal quantity of radiolabel for 1,4-DCB was twice that for 1,2-DCB. Equilibrium dialysis of kidney cytosol in the presence or absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate demonstrated that the radiolabel was reversibly bound to alpha 2u-globulin; the amount for 1,4-[14C]DCB-treated rats was almost twice as much as that for 1,2-[14C]DCB-treated rats. 1,2-DCB was also shown to be covalently bound to renal alpha 2u-globulin, and covalently bound to liver and plasma high-molecular-weight proteins. 1,4-DCB and, to a minor extent, 2,5-dichlorophenol, the major metabolite of 1,4-DCB, were reversibly bound to renal alpha 2u-globulin from 1,4-DCB-treated rats. 1,4-DCB increased protein droplet formation in male but not in female rat kidneys, whereas equimolar doses of 1,2-DCB showed no effect in either sex. Renal cell proliferation, measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation into renal DNA, was increased after 1,4-DCB but not after 1,2-DCB treatment. Nephrotoxicity and biochemical alterations induced by 1,4-DCB resemble those of unleaded gasoline and suggest that a similar mechanism is involved in the induction of alpha 2u-globulin nephropathy in male rats.

In vivo and in vitro studies of the hepatotoxic effects of 4-chlorophenol in mice

4-Chlorophenol (4-CP) was studied for its toxicological effect on liver by using both in vivo and in vitro approaches. Male mice were administered 4-CP, 1.5 mmol/kg body weight, i.p., and were killed at 10, 20, 30 and 50 min after drug injection. Either i.p. or oral 4-CP administration significantly lowered total liver thiol levels by 20-30% after 30 min and 3 hr respectively. This time-dependent effect of 4-CP after i.p. treatment was enhanced when mice were pretreated with hepatic microsomal enzyme inducers (phenobarbital, 40 mg/kg body weight, b.i.d., 7 days; and beta-naphthoflavone, 80 mg/kg body weight once daily, 4 days). Further, the microsomal cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, SKF 525-A, 75 mg/kg body weight injected i.p. to mice 30 min prior to 4-CP administration, blocked the reduction of liver thiol content produced by 4-CP. The results suggest that a chemically reactive intermediate of 4-CP may be formed in liver which is responsible for the observed decrease in liver thiol content. Other investigations were done to characterize the in vitro irreversible binding of [14C]4-CP. [14C]4-CP was bound irreversibly to mouse liver microsomal proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. Binding was NADPH dependent and gave a maximal binding of 12.0 nmol/mg protein/20 min and an apparent binding constant of 0.222 mM. [14C]-Binding of 4-CP was increased by 155 and 127% in liver microsomes of phenobarbital- and beta-naphthoflavone. SKF 525-A, and CO:O2 (4:1, v/v)] and selected nucleophilic compounds (glutathione, L-cysteine or L-lysine) significantly reduced [14C]4-CP binding to mouse liver microsomes. An epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, cyclohexene oxide, did not alter the extent of irreversible binding, whereas scavengers of superoxide anions or agents that are reported to reduce accumulation of active semiquinone and quinone species (L-ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase or epinephrine) decreased the binding of [14C]4-CP to mouse liver microsomal proteins by 56, 31 and 92% respectively. The data suggest that semiquinone and quinone species of 4-CP may be the chemically reactive intermediates leading to the in vivo reduction of liver thiol levels. Since 4-CP is a minor contaminant and possible metabolite of clofibrate and chemically related hypolipidemic agents, 4-CP and its metabolites may be partly responsible for some of the hepatotoxic effects seen after long-term administration of this therapeutic class of drugs.

Three models of free radical-induced cell injury

Three models of free radical-induced cell injury are presented in this review. Each model is described by the mechanism of action of few prototype toxic molecules. Carbon tetrachloride and monobromotrichloromethane were selected as model molecules for alkylating agents that do not induce GSH depletion. Bromobenzene and allyl alcohol were selected as prototypes of GSH depleting agents. Paraquat and menadione were presented as prototypes of redox cycling compounds. All these groups of toxins are converted, during their intracellular metabolism, to active species which can be radical species or electrophilic intermediates. In most cases the activation is catalyzed by the microsomal mixed function oxidase system, while in other cases (e.g. allyl alcohol) cytosolic enzymes are responsible for the activation. Radical species can bind covalently to cellular macromolecules and can promote lipid peroxidation in cellular membranes. Of course both phenomena produce cell damage as in the case of CCl4 or BrCCl3 intoxication. However, the covalent binding is likely to produce damage at the molecular site where it occurs; lipid peroxidation, on the other hand, besides causing loss of membrane structure, also gives rise to toxic products such as 4-hydroxyalkenals and other aldehydes which in principle can move from the site of origin and produce effects at distant sites. Electrophilic intermediates readily reacts with cellular nucleophiles, primarily with GSH. The result is a severe GSH depletion as in the case of bromobenzene or allyl alcohol intoxication. When the depletion reaches some threshold values lipid peroxidation develops abruptly and in an extensive way. This event is accompanied by cellular death. The reason for which lipid peroxidation develops in a cell severely depleted of GSH remains to be clarified. Probably the loss of the defense systems against a constitutive oxidative stress is not compatible with cellular life. Some free radicals generated by one-electron reduction can react with oxygen to give superoxide anions which can be converted to other more dangerous reactive oxygen species. This is the case of paraquat and menadione. Damage to cellular macromolecules is due to the direct action of these oxygen radicals and, at least in the menadione-induced cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation is not involved. All these initial events affect the protein sulfhydryl groups in the membranes. Since some protein thiols are essential components of the molecular arrangement responsible for the Ca2+ transport across cellular membranes, loss of such thiols can affect the calcium sequestration activity of subcellular compartments, that is the capacity of mitochondria and microsomes to regulate the cytosolic calcium level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A comparative study of the hepatotoxicity of 1-fluoropentane and 1-fluorohexane

Phenobarbitone pretreatment potentiated hepatocyte lesions in male rats 24 hr after treatment with 1-fluoropentane (3.5 mg/kg body weight) and 1-fluorohexane (0.17 mg/kg body weight). Serum levels of the enzymes ornithine carbamyltransferase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase were significantly elevated by the test compounds with the peak effect occurring 24-72 hr after a single ip administration. Significant elevation of hepatocyte triglyceride content and mitochondrial calcium and citrate levels were demonstrated 24 and 48 hr after a single ip injection of 1-fluoropentane or 1-fluorohexane, respectively.

Evidence for the inductive effects of hexafluorobenzene on hepatic microsomal enzymes in the male rat

Acute administration of hexafluorobenzene (HFB) (1200 mg/kg body wt i.p.), induced significant increases in male rat hepatic microsomal protein content (39% increase), microsomal cytochrome P-450 content (150% increase) and microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase activity (25% increase). The assays were carried out 24 h after treatment. Hexafluorobenzene also significantly shortened (by 22%) hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time.

A comparative study of the hepatotoxicity of monochlorobenzene in the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii) and the Sprague-Dawley rat

Chlorobenzene (CB) was less hepatotoxic to trout than to rats. This difference could not be totally accounted for by reduced absorption in the trout and CB was metabolized in the trout. Glutathione concentrations in trout livers were 1/3 of those of the rat and prior depletion of the tripeptide led to irreversible binding of CB to trout liver protein equivalent to that of rats suffering extensive necrosis. No consistent correlation between glutathione content or protein binding and liver damage was seen in either species.

Effects of age and obesity on the metabolism of lindane by black a/a, yellow Avy/a, and pseudoagouti Avy/a phenotypes of (YS x VY) F1 hybrid mice

Lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane) has been shown to produce hepatomas in some strains of mice but not in others. Genetic factors and/or altered metabolism may play a role in the susceptibility to lindane-induced hepatomas. This study reports the effect of age and obesity on the comparative metabolism and disposition of lindane in obese yellow Avy/a and in lean pseudoagouti Avy/a and black a/a phenotypes of (YS x VY) F1 hybrid female mice at 8, 17, 30, 56, and 86 wk of age. At 24 h prior to sacrifice the mice were dosed p.o. with 18 mg lindane (containing 55 microCi [U-14C]lindane/kg). Aging altered the biotransformation of lindane such that while the excretion of lindane and its metabolites declined, the proportion of conjugated and polar metabolites increased. Tissue storage was elevated in older animals. In the yellow Avy/a mice, which are known to have a predisposition to the formation of hepatomas, there was accelerated and prolonged growth, reduced metabolite excretion, a greater proportion of conjugated metabolites, and higher dechlorinase activity compared to that of their pseudoagouti Avy/a and black a/a siblings.

Macromolecular weight specificity in covalent binding of bromobenzene

Bromobenzene is a hepatotoxicant that causes centrilobular necrosis. Pretreatment of animals with 3-methylcholanthrene decreases and phenobarbital pretreatment enhances the hepatotoxic action of this compound. We have investigated the macromolecular weight specificity of the covalent interactions of bromobenzene with liver macromolecules following incubation of [14C]bromobenzene in isolated hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were prepared from Fischer-344 rats treated for 3 days with 3-methylcholanthrene, phenobarbital, or normal saline. After a 1-hr incubation, total covalent binding, as measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-equilibrium dialysis, was twofold less in hepatocytes from 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rats and sixfold greater in hepatocytes from phenobarbital-treated rats, as compared to hepatocytes from control animals. Analysis of the arylated macromolecules by electrophoresis on 15% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide disc gels indicated that in the first 1 to 3 min of incubation substantial amounts of covalently bound radiolabel were associated with macromolecules of between 20,000 and 40,000. The amount of radioactivity associated with these macromolecules rapidly diminished in hepatocytes from control and 3-methylcholanthrene-treated animals. In hepatocytes from phenobarbital-treated animals, the amount of radioactivity associated with macromolecules, 20,000, increased throughout the incubation. The amount of radiolabel associated with macromolecules, 20,000, increased in all incubations. When nontoxic doses of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, a specific inhibitor of serine proteases, were added to control hepatocytes incubated with [14C]-bromobenzene, the decrease in radioactivity associated with larger (greater than 20,000) macromolecules was inhibited and a corresponding lack of increase in radioactivity associated with smaller macromolecules was observed. In hepatocytes from phenobarbital-treated rats, either the rate of adduct formation with higher molecular weight macromolecules greatly exceeded the rate of their breakdown or the phenobarbital treatment compromised the degradation process. The toxicity induced by bromobenzene may result from the covalently bound material altering the biological function of macromolecules. The result of this study suggest that cellular degradation of the arylated macromolecules may be one mechanism of detoxification. Persistence of the arylated macromolecules within the cell may be associated with the toxic action of bromobenzene.

Comparative influences of different PB-type and 3-MC-type polychlorinated biphenyl-induced phenotypes on cytocidal hepatotoxicity of bromobenzene and acetaminophen

The influences of in vivo treatment with two pure PCB congeners, 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCBP) and 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCBP), on the lethal cytotoxicity of bromobenzene and acetaminophen were examined in short-term primary cultures of isolated rat hepatocytes. Lethal injury was measured by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into culture medium after 20 hr exposure to the hepatotoxins. The HCBP, a PB-type inducer of cytochrome P-450, resembled phenobarbitone (PB) in its ability to increase susceptibility of hepatocytes to bromobenzene (0.5 to 1.6 mM) and acetaminophen (1 to 16 mM). This induced sensitivity was consistently inhibited by SKF-525-A (10 microM) but not alpha-naphthoflavone (ANF, 10 microM) in culture. The 3,3',4,4'-TCPB, a 3-MC-type inducer of cytochrome P-450, resembled 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) in its inability to induce susceptibility to bromobenzene. TCBP and 3-MC each increased (20- to 30-fold) cytotoxicity of acetaminophen by a mechanism substantially inhibitable by ANF but not SKF-525-A. These results demonstrate that categorizing pure PCB isomers and congeners into groups according to their different induction capabilities is predictive for their ability to modulate acute hepatocellular necrosis by bromobenzene and acetaminophen.

Detection and half-life of bromobenzene-3,4-oxide in blood

Bromobenzene-3,4-oxide can be detected in venous blood of rats by trapping it as the corresponding 35[S]glutathione conjugates. More bromobenzene-3,4-oxide is detected in venous blood of rats treated with phenobarbital and diethyl maleate than in venous blood of rats treated with phenobarbital alone. The half-life of bromobenzene-3,4-oxide in venous blood was about 13.5 s. Bromobenzene-3,4-oxide may contribute to the extrahepatic covalent binding and presumably the toxicity observed after bromobenzene administration. The present technique may be used to determine in blood, the presence or absence of other reactive metabolites that form glutathione conjugates.

Chemical models for toxic metabolites of bromobenzene derivatives. Relative toxicity toward isolated hepatocytes

In the rat the hepatotoxicity of bromobenzene is greatly enhanced by the introduction of a cyano group adjacent to the bromine (i.e. o-bromobenzonitrile). Epoxide metabolites of these aryl halides are believed to be the actual toxic species, but epoxides of the latter compound also possess a second site of chemical reactivity not found in epoxides of bromobenzene, i.e. a Michael acceptor group formally related to acrylonitrile. Because these epoxides have never been isolated or synthesized for direct evaluation of their toxicity we have determined the toxicity toward isolated rat hepatocytes of a series of cyclohexene and cyclohexadiene derivatives containing epoxide and/or alpha, beta-unsaturated nitrile functional groups. Simple epoxides and unsaturated nitriles were much less toxic than bromobenzene itself, even if both groups were present in the same molecule. However, alpha, beta-unsaturated epoxides were found to be 2-3 times more toxic than bromobenzene, and at least 10 times more toxic than their saturated analogs, which is consistent with their relatively greater chemical reactivity. It is unlikely that Michael acceptor metabolites account for the increased toxicity of o-bromobenzonitrile relative to bromobenzene.

Toxicity-distribution relationships among 3-alkylfurans in the mouse lung

The present study was designed to investigate the extent to which a homologous series of 3-alkylfurans, 3-methylfuran, 3-ethylfuran, and 3-pentylfuran, may cause lung injury in mice in order to determine whether the chemical properties of these compounds are related to their toxic potential. The pulmonary concentration and pneumotoxicity of these and various other furan derivatives were also measured to determine if a correlation existed between the magnitude of pneumotoxicity produced by these toxins and their concentration in the lung. Along with the 3-alkylfurans, the other furan derivatives investigated were furan, 2-ethylfuran, 2-furamide, and 3-methylthiophene. The absence or presence of lung damage was evaluated by light microscopy. The quantitative index used to assess and rank the compounds as pneumotoxins was the incorporation of [14C]thymidine into DNA. The results obtained with the 3-alkylfurans showed that 3-methylfuran and 3-ethylfuran were toxic to the lung whereas 3-pentylfuran did not produce pneumotoxicity. 2-Ethylfuran, furan, and 2-furamide also caused lung damage but 3-methylthiophene did not. All the compounds, with the exception of furan, reach the lung in comparable concentrations; therefore, there does not seem to be a correlation between pneumotoxicity and concentration of the toxin in the lung. From these studies, it is also apparent that the pneumotoxicity of the 3-alkylfurans extends beyond the methyl group but that the toxicity decreases with increasing chain length.

Increased activity of certain hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes due to subchronic exposure to bromobenzene

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated i.p. with different doses of bromobenzene (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 mmol/kg) in corn oil for 4 weeks. The animals were killed 24 h after the end of the treatment for hepatic drug metabolism studies. A significant induction of the activities of microsomal aniline hydroxylase (51%) and aminopyrine N-demethylase (58%) was observed at 0.5 mmol/kg dose level. Liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 content was significantly increased (approx. 38%) at subchronic doses of 0.3 and 0.5 mmol/kg. Hepatic glutathione (GSH) concentrations were increased (approx. 30%) in comparison to control values at subchronic doses of 0.3 and 0.5 mmol/kg, whereas a significant induction (46-72%) of the activities of conjugating enzymes, cytosolic glutathione S-transferases was noticed at any subchronic dose level of bromobenzene studied. These results suggest that, under certain conditions, subchronic pretreatment with bromobenzene may have the potential to modify the acute toxicity of its own as well as those of other environmental pollutants which require metabolic activation.

Dose-dependent metabolic excretion of bromobenzene and its possible relationship to hepatotoxicity in rats

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 0.25-, 0.5-, 1.0-, 2.5-, and 5.0-mmol/kg dose of bromobenzene in corn oil. The metabolic fate of bromobenzene was studied by measuring its various urinary metabolites 24 h following bromobenzene administration. The hepatotoxicity of bromobenzene was estimated by determination of the serum glutamic-oxaloacetic and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activities (SGOT and SGPT) 24 h after dosing. Treatment of rats with bromobenzene at up to 0.5 mmol/kg did not influence the transaminase activities, but significant increases in such activities began to manifest at a dose of 1 mmol/kg. However, no further increase in hepatotoxic response was induced on exposure to higher doses (2.5 and 5.0 mmol/kg) of bromobenzene. The urinary excretion of toxic doses of bromobenzene was nonlinear, based on the quantitative composition of various urinary metabolites. Furthermore, the fraction of the dose converted to thioethers, p-bromophenol, m-bromophenol, and total phenolic metabolites decreased with increasing toxic dose, suggesting their formation to be capacity-limited. The ratios of thioethers to total phenolic metabolites, of thioethers to p-bromophenol, and of thioethers to o-bromophenol decreased with increasing dose of bromobenzene. The correlation of the dose-dependent fate of metabolic excretion of bromobenzene with the results of the dose-hepatotoxic response curves supports the conclusion that there exists an apparent threshold dose (approximately 1-2.5 mmol/kg) for the toxic effects of bromobenzene that coincides with saturation of the metabolic pathways involving both glutathione/glutathione S-transferase(s) and formation of certain phenolic derivatives for its detoxification. All these results further suggest a role of a saturable, metabolic activation process involving 3,4-epoxide rather than 2,3-epoxide of bromobenzene in the development of its hepatotoxicity.

Review of recent toxicology studies on p-dichlorobenzene

Results from recent long-term inhalation, mutagenicity, embryotoxicity and metabolism studies on p-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) are reviewed. Groups of male and female rats and female mice were exposed for 5 hr/day on 5 days/wk to p-DCB at concentrations of 0, 75 or 500 ppm for a total period of c. 76 wk (rats) or 57 wk (female mice) followed by 36 wk (rats) or 19 wk (female mice) without p-DCB exposure. No overt signs of toxicity were apparent at any exposure level nor were there treatment-related effects on the biochemical determinations, urine analyses or haematological parameters. Slightly elevated urinary coproporphyrin excretion and increased liver and kidney weights were regarded as treatment-related effects in the 500-ppm exposure group of the rats. The non-tumour and tumour pathology did not indicate any treatment-related effect in any group of either species. An embryotoxicity and teratology study on rats exposed to 0, 75, 200 or 500 ppm p-DCB vapour in air during the period of organogenesis did not demonstrate any signs of embryo- or foetotoxicity or teratogenicity at any exposure level. In a series of mutagenicity tests including the Salmonella typhimurium, dominant lethal and cytogenetic assays, p-DCB did not produce a mutagenic response. Studies using oral or inhalation routes of exposure demonstrated rapid metabolic transformation of p-DCB and excretion of the products, even after long-term exposure.

The pharmacokinetics of inhaled chlorobenzene in the rat

Male rats were exposed for 8 hr/day to 100, 400, or 700 ppm of [14C]chlorobenzene vapor for either 1 or 5 days for the purpose of examining the dose dependency of parameters indicative of the toxicity process and the effect of repeated exposure. 14C burdens in the blood, liver, kidneys, lungs, and fat were measured at 0, 16, and 48 hr after exposure. The labeled material excreted in the urine and expired air was collected for 48 hr. Analysis was performed on both the rats and total amounts eliminated. The mercapturic acid percentage of the urinary metabolites excreted in the first 24 hr was measured. The 14C burdens of all tissues increased in proportion to increased exposure concentrations, except for adipose tissue burdens, which increased more than 30-fold between 100 and 700 ppm. Respiratory elimination of 14C also increased disproportionately. The urinary metabolite profile was altered, with a dose-dependent decreased in the mercapturic acid percentage from 68% at 100 ppm to 51% at 700 ppm. Changes due to multiple versus single exposures were higher tissue burdens 48 hr after exposure, less total excretion of label, a lesser percentage of the total excreted through respiration, and a change in the rate of respiratory excretion. The dose-dependent changes are postulated to be due to saturation of the metabolic elimination of chlorobenzene. The effect of multiple exposure is apparently some stimulation of metabolism.

Covalent binding of [14C]methoxychlor metabolite(s) to rat liver microsomal components

[14C]Methoxychlor was incubated with NADPH-fortified liver microsomes from male rats, and covalent binding to microsomal components was determined. The binding process was markedly enhanced when microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats were employed. However, when microsomes from methylcholanthrene-treated rats were used the level of binding was not significantly affected. Incubation in the presence of glutathione, cysteine, or ascorbate markedly diminished binding. Metyrapone and SKF 525-A, inhibitors of hepatic cytochrome P-450-linked monooxygenase activity, inhibited the binding. Also, ethylmorphine and hexobarbital, alternate substrates of the monooxygenase system, inhibited binding. There was no binding to microsomal components in the absence of NADPH or oxygen. TCPO (1,1,1-trichloropropane-2,3-oxide), an inhibitor of epoxide hydrase activity, failed to enhance the binding process. However, N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (NDP) and n-propyl gallate (PG), both free radical scavengers, decreased binding at micromolar concentrations without altering the extent of formation of polar [14C]methoxychlor metabolites. It was concluded that methoxychlor undergoes a hepatic microsomal monooxygenase(s)-mediated activation and that the resultant reactive metabolites (possibly free radicals) bind covalently to microsomal components. By contrast, the binding resulting from the incubation of an impure mixture of polar [14C]methoxychlor metabolites with liver microsomes did not require NADPH and O2 and was not affected by NDP, Pg, ascorbate, or heat-treatment of microsomes. This finding suggested that the binding subsequent to the initial metabolic activation of methoxychlor does not require further enzymatic transformation. However, whether the binding with metabolites represents the same chemical species as the binding with [14C]methoxychlor remains to be established.

Effect of chronic ethanol administration on bromobenzene liver toxicity in the rat

Female Sprague-Dawley rats were pair-fed a nutritionally adequate liquid diet containing either ethanol or isocaloric carbohydrate for 3 weeks. In vitro studies showed that chronic ethanol pretreatment preferentially increased the liver microsomal biotransformation of bromobenzene to p-bromophenol (via the toxic 3,4-epoxide) rather than to o-bromophenol (via the nontoxic 2,3-epoxide) and could thus potentiate bromobenzene hepatotoxicity. Bromobenzene administration (500 mg/kg body weight, ip), after an overnight fast, was associated in ethanol-pretreated rats with greater and accelerated liver glutathione depletion and subsequent decrease in liver cytochrome P-450 content than in controls. As assessed histologically and by determination of the rise in activities of serum enzyme markers of liver necrosis, chronic ethanol pretreatment, however, mainly resulted in earlier onset and resolution of bromobenzene-induced liver necrosis, with only a mild increase in the maximal severity of liver lesions. These results suggest that the twofold increase in liver microsomal bromobenzene 3,4-epoxidation by ethanol, being much less than that seen after phenobarbital pretreatment in our animal model and in that of others, is apparently not sufficient to markedly affect the severity of bromobenzene-induced liver toxicity.

Microsomal activation of chlordane isomers to derivatives that irreversibly interact with cellular macromolecules

Incubation of 14C-labeled cis and trans isomers of chlordane with cofactor-fortified mouse hepatic microsomes resulted in binding of insecticide-derived material to endogenous protein and RNA and to added DNA. The microsomes were prepared from male C57BL/6J mice. Chlordane is known to cause hepatocellular carcinoma in a similar strain. The highest concentrations of radioactive material bound to protein, followed by RNA and DNA. The cis isomer produced greater amounts of bound radioactivity, while binding from trans-chlordane was slight and, in the case of DNA, not detectable. Investigation of the effect of microsomal enzyme induction by chlordane isomers and phenobarbital on the yield of bound, chlordane-derived material gave mixed results. Generally, use of induced microsomes increased binding to protein and DNA and had no effect on binding to RNA. The inducers caused increased mixed-function oxidase activity, cytochrome P-450 content, and epoxide hydratase activity in experimental microsomes. Omission of the NADPH generating system from microsomal preparations had a variable effect on binding. Inhibition of epoxide hydratase reduced cis-chlordane-related binding to DNA to unmeasurable levels.

Metabolism studies of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene. I. In vitro metabolic pathways with rat liver microsomes

The metabolism of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene (TCAB), an important environmental and occupational toxicant, by rat liver microsomes has been examined in a NADPH-generating system. The metabolic pathways were delineated by the combined use of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The rate of [14C]TCAB metabolism using induced microsomes was found to be 381 +/- 59 pmol/min/mg microsomal protein. Approximately 13% of the radioactivity from the [14C]TCAB substrate was covalently bound to the macromolecular pellet at the end of a 2-h incubation period. In addition, three distinct TCAB metabolites were isolated from the organic extracts and subsequently identified. Experiments with carbon monoxide, 2-diethylaminoethyl 2,2-diphenylvalerate hydrochloride (SKF 525-A), and control (uninduced) microsomes indicated the participation of the cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases. The biological significance of both oxidative and reductive metabolic pathways were discussed. It was suggested that the generation of a reactive arene oxide intermediate mediated by oxidative enzymes may be crucial for some of the TCAB toxic effects observed in rodent tissues.

Effect of styrene and fiber glass on small airways of mice

Three groups of 20 mice each were exposed to respirable glass fibers, to 300 ppm styrene vapor, and to glass fibers plus 300 ppm styrene. The glass fiber concentration was congruent to 1070/cm3; fiber diameters were under 3 micron and fiber lenths under 10 microns. The 5 h/d, 5 d/wk inhalation experiment lasted 6 wk. Glass fibers did not cause any lung damage when inhaled separately but combined styrene and glass fibers induced a change in the cellularity of the bronchiolar lining, where aprocrine-type cells became predominant. The same type of bronchiolar epithelial change was found in 10% of the styrene-exposed mice, while most of the styrene-exposed animals (90%) presented thickened bronchiolar walls becasue of stratification of the bronchiolar epithelium.