Utilization of fluoroethene as a surrogate for aerobic vinyl chloride transformation

Fluoroethene (FE) is a stable molecule in aqueous solution and its aerobic transformation potentially yields F-. This work evaluated if FE is a suitable surrogate for monitoring aerobic vinyl chloride (VC) utilization or cometabolic transformation. Experiments were carried out with three isolates, Mycobacterium strain EE13a, Mycobacterium strain JS60, and Nocardioides strain JS614 to evaluate if their affinities for FE and VC and their rates of transformation were comparable and whether the transformation of FE and F- accumulation could be correlated with VC utilization. JS614 grew on FE in addition to VC, making it the first organism reported to use FE as a sole carbon and energy source. EE13a cometabolized VC and FE, and JS60 catabolized VC and cometabolized FE. There was little difference among the three strains in the Ks or kmax values for VC or FE. Competitive inhibition modeled the temporal responses of FE and VC transformations and Cl- and F- release when both substrates were present. Both the rate of FE transformation and rate of F-accumulation could be correlated with the rate of aerobic transformation of VC and showed promise for estimating VC rates in situ using FE as a reactive surrogate.

Sequestration of a fluorinated analog of 2,4-dichlorophenol and metabolic products by L. minor as evidenced by 19F NMR

Fate of halogenated phenols in plants was investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to identify and quantify contaminants and their metabolites. Metabolites of 4-chloro-2-fluorophenol (4-Cl-2-FP), as well as the parent compound, were detected in acetonitrile extracts using 19F NMR after various exposure periods. Several fluorinated metabolites with chemical shifts approximately 3.5 ppm from the parent compound were present in plant extracts. Metabolites isolated in extracts were tentatively identified as fluorinated-chlorophenol conjugates through examination of signal-splitting patterns and relative chemical shifts. Signal intensity was used to quantify contaminant and metabolite accumulation within plant tissues. The quantity of 4-Cl-2-F metabolites increased with time and mass balance closures of 90-110% were achieved. In addition, solid phase 19F NMR was used to identify 4-Cl-2-FP which was chemically bound to plant material. This work used 19F NMR for developing a time series description of contaminant accumulation and transformation in aquatic plant systems.

Transport and fate of nitrate and pesticides: hydrogeology and riparian zone processes

There is continuing concern over potential impacts of widespread application of nutrients and pesticides on ground- and surface-water quality. Transport and fate of nitrate and pesticides were investigated in a shallow aquifer and adjacent stream, Cow Castle Creek, in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. Pesticide and pesticide degradate concentrations were detected in ground water with greatest frequency and largest concentrations directly beneath and downgradient from the corn (Zea mays L.) field where they were applied. In almost all samples in which they were detected, concentrations of pesticide degradates greatly exceeded those of parent compounds, and were still present in ground waters that were recharged during the previous 18 yr. The absence of both parent and degradate compounds in samples collected from deeper in the aquifer suggests that this persistence is limited or that the ground water had recharged before use of the pesticide. Concentrations of NO(-)(3) in ground water decreased with increasing depth and age, but denitrification was not a dominant controlling factor. Hydrologic and chemical data indicated that ground water discharges to the creek and chemical exchange takes place within the upper 0.7 m of the streambed. Ground water had its greatest influence on surface-water chemistry during low-flow periods, causing a decrease in concentrations of Cl(-), NO(-)(3), pesticides, and pesticide degradates. Conversely, shallow subsurface drainage dominates stream chemistry during high-flow periods, increasing stream concentrations of Cl(-), NO(-)(3), pesticides, and pesticide degradates. These results point out the importance of understanding the hydrogeologic setting when investigating transport and fate of contaminants in ground water and surface water.

Reductive dechlorination of chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in sewage sludge and aquifer sediment microcosms

The reductive transformation of the 10 most-widely distributed fluorinated volatile compounds and of tetrachloroethene was investigated for up to 177 days under anaerobic conditions in sewage sludge and aquifer sediment slurries. Concentrations of parent compounds and of degradation products were identified by GC-MS. We observed transformation of CFC-11 to HCFC-21 and HCFC-31, of CFC-113 to HCFC-123a, chlorotrifluoroethene and trifluoroethene, of CFC-12 to HCFC-22, of HCFC-141b to HCFC-151b, and of tetrachloroethene to vinyl chloride and ethene. CFC-114, CFC-115, HCFC-142b, HFC-134a and HCFC-22 were not transformed. The results suggest that with both inocula studied here, hydrogenolysis is the primary reductive dechlorination reaction. CFC-113 was the only compound where a dichloro-elimination was observed, leading to the formation of chlorotrifluoroethene as temporal intermediate and to trifluoroethene as end product. The relative reduction rates of chlorofluoromethanes compared reasonably well with theoretical rates calculated based on thermochemical data according to the Marcus theory. Some of the accumulating HCFCs and haloethenes observed in this study are toxic and may be of practical relevance in anaerobic environments.

Effect of beta-naphthoflavone and phenobarbital on the nephrotoxicity of chlorotrifluoroethylene and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-difluoroethylene in the rat

The role of cytochrome P450 activity in the nephrotoxicity of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-difluoroethylene (DCDFE) was investigated in the male rat. Hepatic cytochrome P450 1A1 and principally P450 2B1/2 were induced by beta-naphthoflavone and phenobarbital, respectively. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated by investigating urine biochemical parameters, kidney histochemistry and histopathological modifications. Both CTFE and DCDFE induce severe nephrotoxicity in rats after 4 h of exposure to 200 and 100 ppm, respectively. Compared with controls, activity levels of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma GT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in 24-h urine were increased similarly, but urinary excretion of glucose, proteins and beta2-microglobulin (beta2-m) and serum urea and creatinine levels were increased. Histopathological and histochemical examinations of kidney sections of CTFE- and DCDFE-exposed rats revealed cellular necrosis and tubular lesions 24 h after exposure. Beta-naphthoflavone-pretreated rats were afforded some protection against the nephrotoxicity of CTFE and DCDFE. Phenobarbital did not modify DCDFE nephrotoxicity but afforded some protection against CTFE nephrotoxicity. In conclusion, CTFE and DCDFE are strong nephrotoxins. Cytochrome P450 1A1 is implicated in CTFE and DCDFE metabolism and one or several cytochromes induced by phenobarbital are implicated in CTFE metabolism. The P450 cytochromes involved in CTFE and DCDFE metabolism probably constitute detoxication metabolic pathways. The nephrotoxicity of CTFE and DCDFE is therefore subordinated to the cytochrome P450 activity involved in their metabolism.

Anaerobic reductive dechlorination of 1-chloro-1-fluoroethene to track the transformation of vinyl chloride

1-Chloro-1-fluoroethene (1,1-CFE) was studied as a reactive tracer to quantify the anaerobic transformation of vinyl chloride (VC). Batch kinetic studies of 1,1-CFE and VC transformation were performed with an enrichment culture obtained from the Evanite site in Corvallis, OR. The culture is capable of completely transforming trichloroethene (TCE) through cis-dichloroethene (c-DCE) and VC to ethene. The culture also transforms fluorinated analogues, such as trichlorofluoroethene (TCFE), to fluoroethene (FE) as a final product. The transformation sequence of the fluorinated analogue was correlated with that achieved for the chlorinated ethene with the same degree of chloride substitution. For example, the production of 1,1-CFE, the major CFE isomer formed from TCFE transformation, was correlated with the production of VC from TCE transformation. Since the 1,1-CFE and its product, FE, have a distinct analytical signature, 1,1-CFE may be used as a reactive in situ tracer to evaluate the VC transformation potential. The half-saturated constants (K(S)) of VC and 1,1-CFE were 63 and 87 microM, respectively, while similar maximum utilization rates (kmaxX) of 334 and 350 microM/d were achieved. Acetylene inhibited both VC and 1,1-CFE transformation. A competitive inhibition model with the independently measured K(S) values used as the inhibition constants predicted rates of transformation of both VC and 1,1-CFE when both compounds were present. 1,1-CFE transformation was also tested with three different cultures. With all the cultures, 1,1-CFE transformation was associated with VC transformation to ethene, and the rates of transformation were comparable. The results demonstrated that 1,1-CFE was a good reactive surrogate for evaluating the rates of VC transformation.

Reductive activation of HCFC-123 by methaemalbumin

Hydrochlorofluorocarbon 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123), a close structural analogue of the hepatotoxic anaesthetic halotane and a replacement for some ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons, is metabolized by liver cytochrome P450 (P450), both in vitro and in vivo. P450 activates HCFC-123, both oxidatively and reductively, to reactive species which attack P450 itself and also damage other targets leading to hepatotoxicity. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that some haloalkanes, including halomethanes CCl4, CCl3Br, CHCl4 and CH2Cl2 as well as halothane, are activated by different haemoproteins to reactive metabolites resulting in the protein's suicidal inactivation. Among these is methaemalbumin (MHA), a synthetic complex of haem with human albumin often used as a model for various natural haemoproteins, such as P450. The aim of this study was to use MHA as a model to investigate the mechanism of P450 inactivation by HCFC-123. We found that MHA can reductively activate HCFC-123 to reactive species resulting in the loss of its haem group. During anaerobic incubation of MHA with 10 mM HCFC-123, a typical reduced difference spectrum was observed with a 470-nm peak that increased with time, indicating an interaction between HCFC-123 or HCFC-123 metabolites and haem. In similar anaerobic incubations, a significant loss of haem was measured using both the pyridine-haemochromogen technique and an ion-pairing reverse-phase HPLC method (37 and 30%, respectively). The loss of haem was time-, but not dose-dependent. No statistically significant loss of protoporphyrin IX, as measured by a fluorescence technique, or of the absolute haem spectrum produced in presence of CO (CO-haem complex) was observed up to 10 mM HCFC-123. Finally, a small but statistically significant inorganic fluoride production was measured in the presence of 20 mM HCFC-123 using an F(-)-specific electrode. Taken together, these results indicate that incubation of the non-enzymatic P450 model MHA with HCFC-123 under anaerobic conditions leads to reductive activation of the substrate, resulting in the modification of haem, as was previously shown to occur for halothane. The haem modification is due to interaction of the prosthetic haem group of MHA with HCFC-123 metabolites. These data confirm the results of previous work with rat liver microsomal P450 and confirm suicidal destruction of haem to be the mechanism responsible for the HCFC-123-dependent loss of the enzyme's content and catalytic function.

The role of CYP forms in the metabolism and metabolic activation of HCFCs and other halocarbons

The use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) such as HCFC-123 (2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) and HCFC-141b (1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane) is becoming widespread as replacements for the ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons. Hepatic activation of HCFC-123 or the unsaturated perchloroethylene through oxidative pathways leads to the formation of the electrophiles trifluoroacetyl chloride or trichloroacetyl chloride, respectively. These can react with epsilon-NH(2) functions of lysine in proteins and give rise to neoantigens. In the case of HCFC-123, this reaction is catalysed primarily by CYP2E1 and to a much lesser extent by the constitutive CYP2C19, CYP2B6 and CYP2C8. For perchloroethylene, the extent of activation is less and the reaction is catalysed primarily by the CYP2B family. While acute hepatotoxicity has been seen in humans exposed to HCFC-123 or halothane, little short- or long-term toxicity in rodents is observed. No immunological related toxicity of perchloroethylene has been reported in exposed humans. Long-term exposure of rats can lead to renal tubule carcinomas and in mice, hepatocellular carcinomas. These toxic reactions do not appear to be directly related to the formation of the putative trichloroacetyl chloride intermediate.

Bioactivation and toxicity in vitro of HCFC-123 and HCFC-141b: role of cytochrome P450

The bioactivation and cytotoxicity in vitro of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123) and 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b), two replacements for some ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), were investigated in rat liver microsomes and isolated rat hepatocytes. Both compounds were activated by cytochrome P450 to reactive metabolites, as indicated by: (i) the depletion of exogenous and cellular glutathione, (ii) the increased LDH release from hepatocytes, (iii) the loss of microsomal P450 content and activities, and (iv) the formation of free radical species observed in the presence of the two compounds. Moreover, the formation of two stable metabolites and an increased production of conjugated dienes, a marker of lipid peroxidation, were observed for both HCFC-123 and HCFC-141b. The biotransformation of both compounds by pyridine- and phenobarbital-induced rat liver microsomes and the inhibition of LDH release by 4-methylpyrazole and troleandomycin indicate that P450 2E1, 2B and, possibly, also 3A are the isoforms involved in the bioactivation and toxicity of HCFC-123 and HCFC-141b in the rat.

A Desulfitobacterium strain isolated from human feces that does not dechlorinate chloroethenes or chlorophenols

An anaerobic bacterium, strain DP7, was isolated from human feces in mineral medium with formate and 0.02% yeast extract as energy and carbon source. This rod-shaped motile bacterium used pyruvate, lactate, formate, hydrogen, butyrate, and ethanol as electron donor for sulfite reduction. Other electron acceptors such as thiosulfate, nitrate and fumarate stimulated growth in the presence of 0.02% yeast extract and formate. Acetate was the only product during fermentative growth on pyruvate. Six mol of pyruvate were fermented to 7 mol of acetate. 13C-NMR labeling experiments showed homoacetogenic 13C-CO2 incorporation into acetate. The pH and temperature optimum of fermentative growth on pyruvate was 7.4 and 37 degrees C, respectively. The growth rate under these conditions was approximately 0.10 h(-1). Strain DP7 was identified as a new strain of Desulfitobacterium frappieri on the basis of 16S rRNA sequence analysis (99% similarity) and DNA-DNA hybridization (reassociation value of 83%) with Desulfitobacterium frappieri TCE1. In contrast to described Desulfitobacterium strains, the newly isolated strain has not been isolated from a polluted environment and did not use chloroethenes or chlorophenols as electron acceptor.

Bioactivation and cytotoxicity of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123) in isolated rat hepatocytes

The bioactivation and cytotoxicity of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123), a replacement for some ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons, were investigated using freshly isolated hepatocytes from non-induced male rats. A time- and concentration-dependent increase in the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase and a concentration-dependent loss of total cellular glutathione were observed in cells incubated with 1, 5 and 10 mM HCFC-123 under normoxic or hypoxic (about 4% O2) conditions. Lactate dehydrogenase leakage was completely prevented by pretreating the cell suspension with the free radical trapper N-t-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone. The aspecific cytochrome P450 (P450) inhibitor, metyrapone, totally prevented the lactate dehydrogenase leakage from hepatocytes, while two isoform-specific P450 inhibitors, 4-methylpyrazole and troleandomycin (a P450 2E1 and a P450 3A inhibitor, respectively), provided a partial protection against HCFC-123 cytotoxicity. Interestingly, pretreatment of cells with glutathione depletors, such as phorone and diethylmaleate, did not enhance the HCFC-123-dependent lactate dehydrogenase leakage. Two stable metabolites of HCFC-123, 1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane and 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethene, were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of the head space of the hepatocyte incubations carried out under hypoxic and, although at a lower level, also normoxic conditions, indicating that reductive metabolism of HCFC-123 by hepatocytes had occurred. The results overall indicate that HCFC-123 is cytotoxic to rat hepatocytes under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, due to its bioactivation to reactive metabolites, probably free radicals, and that P450 2E1 and, to a lower extent, P450 3A, are involved in the process.

Biodegradation and ecotoxicity of HFCs and HCFCs

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are used or developed as substitutes for fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons. Based on the results of closed-bottle tests, the biodegradation of HFC-32, HCFC-123, HCFC-124, HFC-125, HFC-134a, HCFC-141b, HCFC-225ca, and HCFC-225cb was less than 60% after 28 days and therefore these compounds are considered not readily biodegradable. Standard acute toxicity tests with HCFC-123, HCFC-141b, and HCFC-225ca using algae, water fleas, and fish revealed EC50 values in the range of 17-126 mg/L. EC50 values of HFC-134a ranged between 450-980 mg/L. Fish studies with HCFC-141b and HCFC-225ca revealed bioaccumulation factors of <3 and 15-64, respectively. A study with plants revealed no effect of HCFC-141b on seed germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum), radish (Raphanus sativus), and cress (Lepidium sativum). In conclusion, HFCs and HCFCs are not very toxic to aquatic organisms and terrestrial plants. No evidence for any aerobic biodegradation for most of the HFCs and HCFCs was found.

Metabolism of 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) in human volunteers

Human subjects were exposed by inhalation to 250, 500, and 1000 ppm 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) for 4 hr, and urine samples were collected from 0-4, 4-12, and 12-24 hr for metabolite analysis. 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis of urine samples from exposed subjects showed that 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl glucuronide and dichlorofluoroacetic acid were the major and minor metabolites, respectively, of HCFC-141b. Urinary 2, 2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl glucuronide was hydrolyzed to 2, 2-dichloro-2-fluoroethanol by incubation with beta-glucuronidase, and the released 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethanol was quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Concentrations of 2, 2-dichloro-2-fluoroethanol were highest in the urine samples collected 4-12 hr after exposure, but 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethanol was also detected in the samples collected 0-4 and 12-24 hr after exposure. Exposure concentration-dependent excretion of 2, 2-dichloro-2-fluoroethanol, obtained by hydrolysis of 2, 2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl glucuronide, was observed in seven of the eight subjects studied. In conclusion, HCFC-141b is metabolized in human subjects to 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethanol, which is conjugated with glucuronic acid and excreted as its glucuronide in urine in a time- and exposure concentration-dependent manner.

Transport and fate of trifluoroacetate in upland forest and wetland ecosystems

Although trifluoroacetate (TFA), a breakdown product of chlorofluorocarbon replacements, is being dispersed widely within the biosphere, its ecological fate is largely unknown. TFA was added experimentally to an upland, northern hardwood forest and to a small forest wetland ecosystem within the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. Inputs of TFA were not transported conservatively through these ecosystems; instead, significant amounts of TFA were retained within the vegetation and soil compartments. More TFA was retained by the wetland ecosystem than by the upland forest ecosystem. Using simulation modeling, TFA concentrations were predicted for soil and drainage water until the year 2040.

Cytochrome P450 inactivation during reductive metabolism of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123) by phenobarbital- and pyridine-induced rat liver microsomes

The reductive metabolic activation of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123), one of the potential substitutes for the ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons and a close structural analogue of the hepatotoxic anesthetic halothane, was investigated in vitro. During incubation of liver microsomes from phenobarbital-(PB) or pyridine-induced (PYR) rats with 0-20 mM HCFC-123 under anaerobic conditions, a dose- and time-dependent depletion of added exogenous glutathione was observed, indicating the formation of reactive metabolites. Under similar incubation conditions, except for the absence of glutathione, 1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane and 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethene were detected as products of reductive metabolism of HCFC-123, as previously reported for halothane. As shown previously in our laboratory for halothane, under these conditions HCFC- 123 also caused a statistically significant loss of microsomal cytochrome P450 (P450) as indicated by a decrease of the classical absorption spectrum in the presence of CO. Both glutathione depletion and P450 loss were almost completely prevented by previous saturation of the incubation mixture with CO and were partially prevented by the presence of the free-radical scavenger N-t-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone or the carbene trapping agent 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene, suggesting that both types of intermediates may be involved. The loss of P450 was associated with a quantitatively similar loss of microsomal heme, as measured by the pyridine hemochromogen reaction, with PB but not with PYR microsomes. Finally, both the P4502E1-specific p-nitrophenol hydroxylase activity in PYR microsomes and the P4502B1/2-specific pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase activity in PB microsomes were significantly inhibited (58 and 53%, respectively) by prior incubation with HCFC-123, suggesting that both isoforms are able to catalyze the activation of this halogenated compound. These results indicate that indeed HCFC-123, like its analogue halothane, is activated reductively to reactive metabolites by at least two P450 isoforms, namely P4502E1 and P4502B1/2. These metabolites, probably free radicals and/or carbene species, may attack the enzyme resulting in modification of the heme group and subsequent loss of catalytic activity.

Different distribution of fluorinated anesthetics and nonanesthetics in model membrane: a 19F NMR study

Despite their structural resemblance, a pair of cyclic halogenated compounds, 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane (F3) and 1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane (F6), exhibit completely different anesthetic properties. Whereas the former is a potent general anesthetic, the latter produces no anesthesia. Two linear compounds, isoflurane and 2,3-dichlorooctofluorobutane (F8), although not a structural pair, also show the same anesthetic discrepancy. Using 19F nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, we investigated the time-averaged submolecular distribution of these compounds in a vesicle suspension of phosphatidylcholine lipids. A two-site exchange model was used to interpret the observed changes in resonance frequencies as a function of the solubilization of these compounds in membrane and in water. At clinically relevant concentrations, the anesthetics F3 and isoflurane distributed preferentially to regions of the membrane that permit easy contact with water. The frequency changes of these two anesthetics can be well characterized by the two-site exchange model. In contrast, the nonanesthetics F6 and F8 solubilized deeply into the lipid core, and their frequency change significantly deviated from the prediction of the model. It is concluded that although anesthetics and nonanesthetics may show similar hydrophobicity in bulk solvents such as olive oil, their distributions in various regions in biomembranes, and hence their effective concentrations at different submolecular sites, may differ significantly.

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic analysis of the concentration-dependent metabolism of halothane

1. Previous studies with the halothane analogue and chlorofluorocarbon replacement 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123) have shown that there are concentration-dependent, sex-specific differences in the rate of uptake during inhalation exposure in rat. Since it is well established that there are sex-specific differences in the control of enzyme activity in drug metabolism, male and female rats were exposed by inhalation to halothane concentrations ranging from 500 to 4000 ppm. 2. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model describing the concentration-dependent reduction in uptake and metabolism of halothane in male and female rats was developed. The in vivo metabolic rate constants obtained were: for male rats, Km = 0.4 mg litre-1 (2.03 mumol litre-1) and Vmaxc = 9.2 mg kg1 h-1 (46.6 mumol kg1 h-1); for female rats, Km = 0.4 mg litre-1 (2.03 mumol litre-1) and Vmaxc = 10.2 mg kg-1 h-1 (51.7 mumol kg-1 h-1). 3. An equation describing the concentration-dependent decrease of hepatic metabolism of halothane successfully simulated the gas-uptake data. Simulation of cumulative urinary excretion of the major metabolite, trifluoroacetic acid, required introduction of a proportionality constant to limit the extent of reduction of halothane metabolism to 20% of the amount of enzyme activity. Good simulation of urinary excretion data was achieved, which was interpreted to indicate that, when only 20% of the enzyme is inactivated, the rate of enzyme resynthesis was adequate to replenish enzyme activity within 24 h. 4. A rapidly reversible, non-biological inactivation mechanism called "physical toxicity' is discussed as a possible explanation of concentration-dependent gas uptake.

Microbial degradation of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (CHCl2F and CHCl2CF3) in soils and sediments

The ability of microorganisms to degrade trace levels of the hydrochlorofluorocarbons HCFC-21 and HCFC-123 was investigated. Methanotroph-linked oxidation of HCFC-21 was observed in aerobic soils, and anaerobic degradation of HCFC-21 occurred in freshwater and salt marsh sediments. Microbial degradation of HCFC-123 was observed in anoxic freshwater and salt marsh sediments, and the recovery of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane indicated the involvement of reductive dechlorination. No degradation of HCFC-123 was observed in aerobic soils. In some experiments, HCFCs were degraded at low (parts per billion) concentrations, raising the possibility that bacteria in nature remove HCFCs from the atmosphere.

Reductive activation of 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) by phenobarbital- and pyridine-induced rat liver microsomal cytochrome P450

1. During anaerobic reductive incubation of liver microsomes, from either the pyridine- or phenobarbital-treated rat, with 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) in the presence of a NADPH-regenerating system, a time- and dose-dependent formation of reactive metabolites was detected as indicated by a depletion of added exogenous glutathione. 2. A statistically significant, dose-dependent loss of both cytochrome P450 and microsomal haem was also observed under these experimental conditions. Furthermore, a statistically significant decrease of p-nitrophenol hydroxylase and pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase activity was measured in microsomes from the pyridine- and phenobarbital-induced rat, respectively indicating that both P4502E1 and P4502B undergo substrate-dependent inactivation. 3. Both reactive metabolite formation and P450 inactivation were almost completely inhibited by previous bubbling of the incubation mixture with carbon monoxide, indicating that interaction of the substrate with a free and reduced P450 haem iron is required for substrate bioactivation and enzyme loss. 4. The presence in the incubation mixture of the spin-trap N-t-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (PBN) and the carbene trap 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene (DMB) largely prevented both glutathione depletion and P450 loss. This suggests that free radical and carbene intermediates formed by the metabolic activation of the substrate are involved in the inactivation of P450 and the loss of its prosthetic haem group.

Toxicology of chlorofluorocarbon replacements

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are stable in the atmosphere and may reach the stratosphere. They are cleaved by UV-radiation in the stratosphere to yield chlorine radicals, which are thought to interfere with the catalytic cycle of ozone formation and destruction and deplete stratospheric ozone concentrations. Due to potential adverse health effects of ozone depletion, chlorofluorocarbon replacements with much lower or absent ozone depleting potential are developed. The toxicology of these compounds that represent chlorofluorohydrocarbons (HCFCs) or fluorohydrocarbons (HFCs) has been intensively studied. All compounds investigated (1, 1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane [HCFC-141b], 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane [HFC-134a], pentafluoroethane [HFC-125], 1-chloro- 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane [HCFC-124], and 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane [HCFC-123]) show only a low potential for skin and eye irritation. Chronic adverse effects on the liver (HCFC-123) and the testes (HCFC-141b and HCFC-134a), including tumor formation, were observed in long-term inhalation studies in rodents using very high concentrations of these CFC replacements. All CFC replacements are, to varying extents, biotransformed in the organism, mainly by cytochrome P450-catalyzed oxidation of C-H bonds. The formed acyl halides are hydrolyzed to give excretable carboxylic acids; halogenated aldehydes that are formed may be further oxidized to halogenated carboxylic acids or reduced to halogenated alcohols, which are excretory metabolites in urine from rodents exposed experimentally to CFC replacements. The chronic toxicity of the CFC replacements studied is unlikely to be of relevance for humans exposed during production and application of CFC replacements.

Lung bioavailability of chlorofluorocarbon free, dry powder and chlorofluorocarbon containing formulations of salbutamol

With the future advent of a world wide ban on chlorofluorocarbon containing aerosols, a study was designed to compare the in vivo lung bioavailability of salbutamol via chlorofluorocarbon-containing metered-dose inhaler (CFC), chlorofluorocarbon-free metered-dose inhaler (CFC-free), and dry powder inhaler (DPI). Twelve healthy male subjects were given 1200 micrograms salbutamol and measurements made of plasma and urinary salbutamol. CFC-free produced significantly higher plasma salbutamol levels (ng ml-1; mean and 95% CI for difference) than either CFC or DPI: Cmax, CFC-free 4.18 vs CFC 3.29 (95% CI 0.10-1.68), vs DPI 3.42 (95% CI -0.03-1.56). The ratio for the difference in Cmax between CFC and CFC-free formulations was 1.32 (95% CI 1.02-1.61). There were no significant differences between CFC and DPI formulations. Urinary salbutamol results did not reveal any significant differences between the three inhalers (micrograms 30 min-1): CFC-free 42.4, CFC 43.8, DPI 45.3. Thus, the lung bioavailability of CFC-free was greater than that of CFC or DPI formulations of salbutamol.

Toxicology of chlorofluorocarbon replacements

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are stable in the atmosphere and may reach the stratosphere. They are cleaved by UV-radiation in the stratosphere to yield chlorine radicals, which are thought to interfere with the catalytic cycle of ozone formation and destruction and deplete stratospheric ozone concentrations. Due to potential adverse health effects of ozone depletion, chlorofluorocarbon replacements with much lower or absent ozone depleting potential are developed. The toxicology of these compounds that represent chlorofluorohydrocarbons (HCFCs) or fluorohydrocarbons (HFCs) has been intensively studied. All compounds investigated (1, 1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane [HCFC-141b], 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane [HFC-134a], pentafluoroethane [HFC-125], 1-chloro- 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane [HCFC-124], and 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane [HCFC-123]) show only a low potential for skin and eye irritation. Chronic adverse effects on the liver (HCFC-123) and the testes (HCFC-141b and HCFC-134a), including tumor formation, were observed in long-term inhalation studies in rodents using very high concentrations of these CFC replacements. All CFC replacements are, to varying extents, biotransformed in the organism, mainly by cytochrome P450-catalyzed oxidation of C-H bonds. The formed acyl halides are hydrolyzed to give excretable carboxylic acids; halogenated aldehydes that are formed may be further oxidized to halogenated carboxylic acids or reduced to halogenated alcohols, which are excretory metabolites in urine from rodents exposed experimentally to CFC replacements. The chronic toxicity of the CFC replacements studied is unlikely to be of relevance for humans exposed during production and application of CFC replacements.

Isoflurane acts as an inhibitor of oxidative dehalogenation while acting as an accelerator of reductive dehalogenation of halothane in guinea pig liver microsomes

The effects of isoflurane, 1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether, on the oxidative metabolism of halothane to produce trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and on the reductive metabolism of halothane to produce chlorodifluoroethylene (CDE) and chlorotrifluoroethane (CTE) in liver microsomes of guinea pig were examined. Isoflurane enhanced the production of CDE and CTE and inhibited the production of TFA. Isoflurane enhanced cytochrome P450 reduction and formation of an intermediate complex with cytochrome P450 without enhancement of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4) activity. We conclude that isoflurane interacts with cytochrome P450 to prevent the formation of the halothane-cytochrome P450 complex, causing inhibition of the oxidative dehalogenation. This interaction of isoflurane enhances the reduction of cytochrome P450 and the formation of a reductive intermediate-cytochrome P450 complex under anaerobic conditions causing reductive dehalogenation of halothane.

The role of cytochrome P450 2E1 in the species-dependent biotransformation of 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane in rats and mice

1,2-Dichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123a) is a potential alternative to replace ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons. The metabolism of HCFC-123a was studied in microsomes of rats, mice, and humans as well as in rats and mice in vivo. Rat, mouse, and human liver microsomes metabolized HCFC-123a to inorganic fluoride and chlorodifluoroacetic acid. Fluoride formation was dependent on time and NADPH, HCFC-123a, and protein concentration. Microsomes from untreated rats oxidized HCFC-123a at low rates (0.49 nmol fluoride/20 min x mg protein). Pretreatment of rats with pyridine and ethanol, inducers of P450 2E1, increased the rates of fluoride release. In mouse liver microsomes, the rates of HCFC-123a oxidation to release fluoride were significantly higher (1.68 nmol fluoride/20 min x mg) than in rat liver microsomes. Incubation of HCFC-123a with microsomes and diethyldithiocarbamate (100 microM), an inhibitor of P450 2E1, reduced fluoride formation by more than 60%. In different samples of human liver microsomes, rates of fluoride formation were between two- and fourfold higher than those observed in liver microsomes from untreated rats. In rats and mice exposed to concentrations of HCFC-123a up to 5000 ppm in a closed recirculating exposure system, chlorodifluoroacetic acid, and inorganic fluoride were identified as urinary metabolites. The biotransformation of HCFC-123a in rats was saturated after exposure to more than 2000 ppm HCFC-123a for 6 hr, whereas no saturation was evident in mice exposed to concentrations of up to 5000 ppm. The obtained results suggest a major role of P450 2E1 in the oxidation of HCFC-123a and in the different capacities for oxidative biotransformation of HCFC-123a in rodents. Mice may thus be more sensitive to toxic effects of HCFC-123a depending on biotransformation after administration of high doses.

Isoflurane and cytochrome b5 stimulation of 2-chloro-1,1-difluoroethene metabolism by reconstituted rat CYP2B1 and CYP2C6

Isoflurane stimulates the metabolism of 2-chloro-1,1-difluoroethene (CDE) in liver microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats or rabbits. The P450 isozymes involved and the mechanism by which such stimulation occurs have not been clarified. The present study examined the effects of isoflurane and cytochrome b5 on CDE metabolism in reconstituted systems containing purified rat CYP2B1 or CYP2C6. Under similar incubation conditions, CYP2B1 defluorinated CDE at approximately five times the rate of CYP2C6. Isoflurane was a potent stimulator of CDE metabolism, increasing it nearly 5-fold when catalyzed by CYP2B1, but only 2-fold when catalyzed by CYP2C6. Isoflurane had no stimulatory effect on benzphetamine metabolism by CYP2B1 or CYP2C6. Cytochrome b5 was not required for isoflurane-facilitated CDE metabolism; however, the addition of cytochrome b5 to CYP2B1 increased CDE metabolism 71 and 44%, in the absence and presence of isoflurane, respectively. In reconstituted CYP2B1, isoflurane generated a type I difference spectrum of approximately twice the magnitude of CDE and stimulated NADPH consumption more so than CDE. The same quantity of NADPH was consumed when CDE was present with isoflurane as compared with isoflurane alone. These data support the hypothesis that isoflurane stimulates CDE metabolism by a mechanism involving increased P450 reduction via direct isoflurane interaction with P450.

Metabolism of 1-fluoro-1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethane, and 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane

1-Fluoro-1,1,2-trichloroethane (HCFC-131a), 1,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethane (HCFC-132b), and 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane (HCFC-133a) were chosen as models for comparative metabolism studies on 1,1,1,2-tetrahaloethanes, which are under consideration as replacements for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Male Fischer 344 rats were given 10 mmol/kg ip HCFC-131a or HCFC-132b or exposed by inhalation to 1% HCFC-133a for 2 h. Urine collected in the first 24 h after exposure was analyzed by 19F NMR and GC/MS and with a fluoride-selective ion electrode for the formation of fluorine-containing metabolites. Metabolites of HCFC-131a included 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl glucuronide, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl sulfate, dichlorofluoroacetic acid, and inorganic fluoride. Metabolites of HCFC-132b were characterized as 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl glucuronide, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl sulfate, chlorodifluoroacetic acid, chlorodifluoroacetaldehyde hydrate, chlorodifluoroacetaldehyde-urea adduct, and inorganic fluoride. HCFC-133a was metabolized to 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl glucuronide, trifluoroacetic acid, trifluoroacetaldehyde hydrate, trifluoroacetaldehyde-urea adduct, inorganic fluoride, and a minor, unidentified metabolite. With HCFC-131a and HCFC-132b, glucuronide conjugates of 2,2,2-trihaloethanols were the major urinary metabolites, whereas with HCFC-133a, a trifluoroacetaldehyde-urea adduct was the major urinary metabolite. Analysis of metabolite distribution in vivo indicated that aldehydic metabolites increased as fluorine substitution increased in the order HCFC-131a < HCFC-132b < HCFC-133a. With NADPH-fortified rat liver microsomes, HCFC-133a and HCFC-132b were biotransformed to trifluoroacetaldehyde and chlorodifluoroacetaldehyde, respectively, whereas HCFC-131a was converted to dichlorofluoroacetic acid. No covalently bound metabolites were detected by 19F NMR spectroscopy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isoflurane-chlorodifluoroethene interaction in human liver microsomes. Role of cytochrome P4502B6 in potentiation of haloethene metabolism

Short-chain saturated halocarbons, including isoflurane and the chlorofluorocarbon substitute HCFC-123, can strongly potentiate the cytochrome P450-dependent oxidation of gaseous haloethenes, such as 2-chloro-1,1-difluoroethene (CDE) and vinyl chloride, in vivo and in vitro. P450 isozyme specificity in this effect is suggested by the fact that the interaction is pronounced in microsomes from rats treated with phenobarbital, but does not occur in microsomes of isoniazid- or beta-naphthoflavone-treated animals. We examined the effect of isoflurane on CDE defluorination in liver microsomes from 10 human organ donors to determine whether saturated halocarbon/haloethene interactions also occur in humans and, if so, to determine the cytochromes P450 involved. Three of the samples exhibited isoflurane-stimulated increases (24, 32, and 41%) in CDE defluorination; isoflurane either inhibited or had no effect on CDE metabolism in the other seven samples. Two samples in which isoflurane potentiated CDE metabolism to the greatest rates had higher coumarin 7-hydroxylase (indicative of CYP2A6), 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (CYP2B6), and nifedipine oxidase (CYP3A4) activities than the other eight samples. However, all 10 subjects had similar rates of phenacetin O-deethylation (CYP1A2) and chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation (CYP2E1). In microsomes from cells transfected with cDNAs coding for individual human P450s, CDE metabolism by CYP2B6 was stimulated (216%) by isoflurane, whereas isoflurane did not stimulate CDE metabolism by human CYP2A6, CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or CYP2E1. Isoflurane highly increased CDE defluorination in purified rat CYP2B1 (470%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Metabolism of chlorofluorocarbons and polybrominated compounds by Pseudomonas putida G786(pHG-2) via an engineered metabolic pathway

The recombinant bacterium Pseudomonas putida G786(pHG-2) metabolizes pentachloroethane to glyoxylate and carbon dioxide, using cytochrome P-450CAM and toluene dioxygenase to catalyze consecutive reductive and oxidative dehalogenation reactions (L.P. Wackett, M.J. Sadowsky, L.N. Newman, H.-G. Hur, and S. Li, Nature [London] 368:627-629, 1994). The present study investigated metabolism of brominated and chlorofluorocarbon compounds by the recombinant strain. Under anaerobic conditions, P. putida G786(pHG-2) reduced 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane, 1,2-dibromo-1,2-dichloroethane, and 1,1,1,2-tetrachloro-2,2-difluoroethane to products bearing fewer halogen substituents. Under aerobic conditions, P. putida G786(pHG-2) oxidized cis- and trans-1,2-dibromoethenes, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-difluoroethene, and 1,2-dichloro-1-fluoroethene. Several compounds were metabolized by sequential reductive and oxidative reactions via the constructed metabolic pathway. For example, 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane was reduced by cytochrome P-450CAM to 1,2-dibromoethenes, which were subsequently oxidized by toluene dioxygenase. The same pathway metabolized 1,1,1,2-tetrachloro-2,2-difluoroethane to oxalic acid as one of the final products. The results obtained in this study indicate that P. putida G786(pHG-2) metabolizes polyfluorinated, chlorinated, and brominated compounds and further demonstrates the value of using a knowledge of catabolic enzymes and recombinant DNA technology to construct useful metabolic pathways.

Metabolism of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane in rats

1. Chlorofluorohydrocarbons are presently being developed as alternatives for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons. 1,1-Dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoro-[2-14C]-ethane (HCFC-123) is a chlorofluorohydrocarbon with potential widespread use and associated human exposure. As a part of the toxicological evaluation of HCFC-123, its metabolism was studied in rodents in a closed recirculating exposure system. 2. Two male rats were individually exposed for 6 h. Excretion of radioactivity was monitored for 48 h after the start of the exposure. Of the radioactivity introduced into the chamber, 14% was recovered in urine within the period of observation. Excretion of metabolites in the urine was very slow. 3. Trifluoroacetic acid was the major metabolite of HCFC-123 and N-trifluoroacetyl-2-aminoethanol and N-acetyl-S-(2,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethyl)-L-cysteine were identified as minor urinary metabolites of HCFC-123. 4. Forty-eight hours after the start of the exposure, covalent binding of radioactive metabolites to protein was highest in liver followed by kidney and lung. Covalent binding above background levels was not observed in pancreas and testis, the target organs of HCFC-123 tumourigenicity. 5. These results suggest that the biotransformation of HCFC-123 in rodents follows a pathway identical to those of the extensively studied structural analogue halothane.

Reaction of rat liver glutathione S-transferases and bacterial dichloromethane dehalogenase with dihalomethanes

Dichloromethane dehalogenase from Methylophilus sp. DM11 is a glutathione S-transferase homolog that is specifically active with dihalomethane substrates. This bacterial enzyme and rat liver glutathione S-transferases were purified to investigate their relative reactivity with CH2Cl2 and related substrates. Rat liver alpha class glutathione transferases were inactive and mu class enzymes showed low activity (7-23 nmol/min/mg of protein) with CH2Cl2. theta class glutathione transferase 5-5 from rat liver and Methylophilus sp. dichloromethane dehalogenase showed specific activities of > or = 1 mumol/min/mg of protein. Apparent Kcat/Km were determined to be 3.3 x 10(4) and 6.0 x 10(4) L M-1 S-1 for the two enzymes, respectively. Dideutero-dichloromethane was processed to dideutereo-formaldehyde, consistent with a nucleophilic halide displacement mechanism. The possibility of a GSCH2X reaction intermediate (GS, glutathione; X, halide) was probed using CH2ClF to generate a more stable halomethylglutathione species (GSCH2F). The reaction of CH2ClF with dichloromethane dehalogenase produced a kinetically identifiable intermediate that decomposed to formaldehyde at a similar rate to synthetic HOCH2CH2SCH2F. 19F-NMR revealed the transient formation of an intermediate identified as GSCH2F by its chemical shift, its triplet resonance, and H-F coupling constant consistent with a fluoromethylthioether. Its decomposition was matched by a stoichiometric formation of fluoride. These studies indicated that the bacterial dichloromethane dehalogenase directs a nucleophilic attack of glutathione on CH2Cl2 to produce a halomethylthioether intermediate. This focuses attention on the mechanism used by theta class glutathione transferases to generate a halomethylthioeter from relatively unreactive dihalomethanes.

Metabolism of the chlorofluorocarbon substitute 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane by rat and human liver microsomes: the role of cytochrome P450 2E1

1,1-Dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123) has been developed as a substitute for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons. The atmospheric lifetime of HCFC-123 is expected to be much shorter than those of chlorofluorocarbons; however, due to its lower stability and the presence of carbon-hydrogen bonds, metabolism of HCFC-123 in mammals and metabolism-dependent toxicity is likely. We compared the metabolism of HCFC-123 and its analog halothane in rat and human liver microsomes. 19F-NMR studies showed that trifluoroacetic acid is a major metabolite of HCFC-123. Besides trifluoroacetic acid, chlorodifluoroacetic acid and inorganic fluoride were identified as products of the enzymatic oxidation of HCFC-123 in rat and human liver microsomes by 19F-NMR and mass spectrometry. The metabolites were not detected in incubations with halothane. HCFC-123 and halothane were transformed by liver microsomes from untreated rats at low rates. Microsomes from ethanol-and pyridine-treated rats metabolized both HCFC-123 and halothane at much higher rates. These microsomes also exhibited high rates of p-nitrophenol oxidation. p-Nitrophenol is a model substrate mainly oxidized by P450 2E1 to p-nitrocatechol. Samples of human liver microsomes showed considerable differences in the extent of HCFC-123, p-nitrophenol oxidation, and chlorzoxazone hydroxylation. In human liver microsomes, rabbit anti-rat P450 2E1 IgG recognized a single protein band corresponding in apparent molecular weight to human P450 2E1. Immunoblot analysis revealed considerable heterogenity in the P450 2E1 protein content of the human liver samples. Trifluoroacetic acid formation from HCFC-123 and halothane and p-nitrocatechol formation from p-nitrophenol were significantly reduced by the P450 2E1 inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isoflurane increases the anaerobic metabolites of halothane

The effect of isoflurane on the anaerobic metabolism of halothane to chlorodifluoroethene (CDE) and chlorotrifluoroethane (CTE) was studied with microsomes of guinea pig liver by gas chromatography. The reaction mixture used to measure the end products of anaerobic metabolism consisted of a microsomal suspension, 3 mM NADPH, halothane and isoflurane (except in control groups) in 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4). The Km values for CDE formation were 601.61 +/- 266.91, 254.22 +/- 86.58, 257.92 +/- 129.11, 268.55 +/- 125.66 and 319.22 +/- 86.76 microM (mean +/- SD, n = 5) at 0 mM (0%), 0.12 mM (0.26%), 0.29 mM (0.64%), 0.58 mM (1.30%) and 1.16 mM (2.59%) isoflurane, respectively. The Km values for CTE formation were 1204.74 +/- 551.64, 553.75 +/- 177.89, 521.14 +/- 249.77, 560.67 +/- 229.61 and 711.05 +/- 317.13 microM (n = 5) at 0 mM (0%), 0.12 mM (0.26%), 0.29 mM (0.64%), 0.58 mM (1.30%) and 1.16 mM (2.59%) isoflurane, respectively. In contrast, the Vmax values for CDE and CTE formation at these isoflurane concentrations were not significantly different than in the control groups. In this study the production of CDE and CTE was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by isoflurane, at concentrations up to 0.58 mM (1.30%).

Inhibitory effect of gomisi on reductive metabolism of halothane

The effect of Gomisi (dried ripe fruit of schizandra chinensis) on chlorodifluoroethylene (CDE) and chlorotrifluoroethane (CTE) formation was investigated. The incubation mixtures for the measurement of reductive metabolites of halothane consisted of liver microsomal suspensions, 3 mM NADPH, extract solution of Gomisi and halothane in 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The production of CDE and CTE was inhibited by Gomisi in a dose-dependent way. The production were reduced to half in the presence of 0.5% Gomisi extract in the reaction mixture. The results suggest that Gomisi can inhibit the reductive metabolism of halothane in vitro; thus it may protect against halothane-induced hepatitis.

Gas-uptake pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b)

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was used to determine the in vivo metabolic constants of the candidate chlorofluorocarbon replacement 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b). Rats were exposed by inhalation to HCFC-141b concentrations ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 ppm. Uptake studies of HCFC-141b in the rat indicated the involvement of saturable and first-order components. The in vivo metabolic constants for HCFC-141b were: KM = 7.0 mg liter-1 (59.9 mumol liter-1), Vmax = 0.2 mg kg-1 hr-1 (1.71 mumol kg-1 hr-1), and k = 0.5 hr-1. In rats exposed to HCFC-141b, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethanol was excreted in the urine as its glucuronide conjugate, and the rate of 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethanol excretion increased linearly with increasing HCFC-141b exposure concentrations. Diallyl sulfide, a selective, mechanism-based inhibitor of cytochrome P-450 2E1, inhibited the metabolism of HCFC-141b, as indicated by a decreased uptake of HCFC-141b and by a lowered urinary excretion of 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethanol in diallyl-sulfide-treated rats. In vitro biotransformation studies with microsomes from rats treated with pyridine, an inducer of cytochrome P-450 2E1, confirmed that cytochrome P-450 2E1 is involved in the metabolism of HCFC-141b. The in vitro metabolic rate constants for the biotransformation of HCFC-141b to 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethanol were: KM = 0.39 +/- 0.11 mM and Vmax = 2.08 +/- 0.23 nmol mg protein-1 hr-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of selected halon replacement candidates

Metabolism studies were conducted using Fischer 344 and Sprague-Dawley rats following inhalation exposure to 1.0% (v/v) air atmospheres of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123), 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124), 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (HCFC-142b), bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon 1211), and perfluorohexane (PFH) for 2 h. There were no remarkable differences in results between the two strains of rats. Animals exposed to HCFC-123 or HCFC-124 excreted trifluoroacetic acid in their urine. Urinary fluoride concentrations were increased in rats exposed to HCFC-124, and urinary bromide levels were increased in rats exposed to Halon 1211. Small quantities of volatile metabolites 2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HCFC-133a) and 2-chloro-1,1-difluoroethylene were observed in the livers of rats exposed to HCFC-123. Rats exposed to HCFC-142b excreted chlorodifluoroacetic acid in their urine; no volatile metabolites were detected in tissue samples. For PFH studies, no metabolites were detected in the urine or tissues of exposed animals. These results are consistent with proposed oxidative and reductive pathways of metabolism for these chemicals. Pharmacokinetic studies were carried out in rats exposed by inhalation to 1.0%, 0.1%, or 0.01% of HCFC-123. Following exposure, blood concentrations of HCFC-123 fell sharply, whereas trifluoroacetic acid levels rose for approx. 5 h and then declined gradually. Using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model, saturation of HCFC-123 metabolism was estimated to occur at approx. 0.2% (2000 ppm) HCFC-123.

NADPH and oxygen consumption in isoflurane-facilitated 2-chloro-1,1- difluoroethene metabolism in rabbit liver microsomes

2-Chloro-1,1-difluoroethene (CDE) metabolism can be facilitated by isoflurane in microsomes. In an effort to elucidate the mechanisms of increased CDE metabolism, NADPH and oxygen consumption during CDE metabolism were measured in the absence and presence of isoflurane in rabbit liver microsomes. In microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rabbits, isoflurane (1-4 mumol, 0.6-2.3%) enhanced CDE (2 mumol, 1.1%) metabolism, increasing fluoride release up to 2.5 times compared with CDE alone. Fluoride release increased with increasing amounts of CDE (1-4 mumol). Isoflurane alone strongly increased NADPH consumption (3.78 +/- 0.4 to 9.65 +/- 0.23 nmol/mg/min +/- SD) and oxygen consumption (3.27 +/- 0.03 to 6.62 +/- 0.75 nmol/mg/min) compared with control when incubated for 5 min at 30 degrees C. No isoflurane metabolism was detected by fluoride release. Incubation of CDE alone resulted in CDE metabolism (0.70 +/- 0.15 nmol/mg/min) and lesser, but significant increases in NADPH (4.79 +/- 0.14) and oxygen consumption (4.44 +/- 0.24) compared with control. Incubation of isoflurane with CDE at 30 degrees C for 5 min caused a 3-fold increase of CDE metabolism (2.18 +/- 0.25 nmol/mg/min); however, no more NADPH (8.59 +/- 0.95) or oxygen (7.22 +/- 0.16) was consumed compared with isoflurane incubation. No significant changes in H2O2 production were observed between all groups. These data indicate that isoflurane is an efficient uncoupler of cytochrome P-450, and suggests that increased CDE metabolism by isoflurane may result from a coupling of isoflurane-stimulated cytochrome P-450 activity to CDE oxidation.

Pentahaloethane-based chlorofluorocarbon substitutes and halothane: correlation of in vivo hepatic protein trifluoroacetylation and urinary trifluoroacetic acid excretion with calculated enthalpies of activation

The hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123) and 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124) and the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) are being developed as substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons that deplete stratospheric ozone. The structural similarity of these HCFCs and HFCs to halothane, which is hepatotoxic under certain circumstances, indicates that the metabolism and cellular interactions of HCFCs and HFCs must be explored. In a previous study [Harris et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88, 1407], similar patterns of trifluoroacetylated proteins (TFA-proteins) were detected by immunoblotting with anti-TFA-protein antibodies in livers of rats exposed to halothane or HCFC-123. The present study extends these results and demonstrates that in vivo TFA-protein formation resulting from a 6-h exposure to a 1% atmosphere of these compounds follows the trend: halothane approximately HCFC-123 much greater than HFC-124, greater than HFC-125. The calculated enthalpies of activation of halothane, HCFC-123, HCFC-124, and HFC-125 paralleled the observed rate of trifluoroacetic acid excretion in HCFC- or HFC-exposed rats. Exposure of rats to a range of HCFC-123 concentrations indicated that TFA-protein formation was saturated at an exposure concentration between 0.01% and 0.1% HCFC-123. Deuteration of HCFC-123 decreased TFA-protein formation in vivo. Urinary trifluoroacetic acid excretion by treated rats correlated with the levels of TFA-proteins found after each of these treatments. No TFA-proteins were detected in hepatic fractions from rats given 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), which is not metabolized to a trifluoroacetyl halide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)