DETECTION OF DNA-ADDUCTS BY P-32 POSTLABELING AND MULTIFRACTION CONTACT-TRANSFER THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY

P-32-Postlabeling is a sensitive method for detecting DNA adducts. Large bulky adducts, particularly from polycyclic aromatic compounds, are readily detected using this technique. Detection of small modifications, such as methylations, has often required specific additional enrichment procedures prior to P-32- postlabeling. We report the use of a single analytical procedure that can detect DNA adducts of a wide range of sizes and hydrophobicities (exemplified by adducts produced with methyl methanesulfonate, diepoxybutane, styrene oxide, or benzo[a]pyrene). This P-32-postlabeling/thin-layer chromatography procedure is particularly useful when examining the potential of novel compounds or their metabolites to form DNA adducts. (C) 1994 Society of Toxicology.