INSECTAN ARYL-HYDROCARBON HYDROXYLASE GENERATES BENZO[A]PYRENE METABOLITES THAT BIND TO PROTEIN AND DNA

1. Oxidation of benzo[a]pyrene by Spodoptera eridania microsomal enzymes generates metabolites that bind to biological macromolecules. 2. Induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase by topical application of polychlorinated biphenyls stimulates benzo[a]pyrene metabolite binding. 3. Procudures that inhibit aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity also decrease metabolite binding. 4. The data imply that insectan microsomal oxidases, in addition to their role in detoxication mechanisms, are capable of metabolically activating polycyclic hydrocarbon carcinogens. © 1979.