Sulfation and glucuronidation of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol in intestinal mucosa of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

Intestinal metabolism plays a significant role in the bioavailability of ingested environmental toxicants. In this study, the potential for first pass, phase 2 biotransformation of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol (BaP-7,8-diol) in intestinal mucosa was examined. Sulfotransferase and Uridine 5'-Diphospho-Glucuronyl-transferase activity were measured in cytosol, and microsomes respectively. Radiolabeled conjugation products were analyzed by TLC and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that BaP-7,8-diol was a poor substrate for intestinal sulfotransferase. Vmax for the sulfation of BaP-7,8-diol was 0.002 nmol mg-1 min-1, which is at least three orders of magnitudes lower than the Vmax for phenolic BaP metabolites. Studies with 3'phosphoadenosine-5' phosphosulfate (PAP)-35S as co-substrate showed that an unidentified compound in the reaction mixture was sulfated, dependent on the BaP-7,8-diol concentration. This could indicate that BaP-7,8-diol was interacting with a regulatory site on the enzyme and stimulated sulfation of an endogenous molecule in cytosol. Kinetic analysis of microsomal glucuronidation resulted in a Vmax of 0.30 nmol mg-1 min-1 (+/- 0.06 S.D., n = 4), with a Km of 23.39 microM (+/- 2.66 S.D.). The Km for the co-substrate UDP-glucuronic acid was approximately 43 microM. The slow rates for sulfation and glucuronidation of BaP-7,8-diol may explain its relatively high systemic availability when ingested or produced by intestinal phase 1 enzymes.     

Seasonal variation of hepatic mixed function oxidases in winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)

Indices of hepatic mixed function oxidase (MFO) activity in winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) were measured at approximately monthly intervals from November 1983 to October 1985. Benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities and cytochromes P450 and b₅ were generally, but not significantly, higher in males than in females. The MFO activity varied seasonally, reaching a maximum during or shortly after spawning. Variation in MFO enzyme activity between sexes was never greater than 2-fold at any time, and within sex, no greater than 6-fold during the seasonal cycle. This variability is less than that caused by exposure to environmentally realistic levels of some pollutants; measurements of MFO activity in this species might therefore be used to indicate environmental contamination.     

Increased toxicity of benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol in the presence of polychlorobiphenylols

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) often co-exist in contaminated environments. Polychlorobiphenylols (OH-PCBs), formed by CYP-dependent monooxygenation of PCBs, are potent inhibitors of the glucuronidation of hydroxylated BaP metabolites. We hypothesized that OH-PCBs could drive the biotransformation of (−)BaP-7,8-dihydrodiol (BaP-7, 8-D) away from detoxication and towards formation of the reactive metabolite. A mixture of five OH-PCBs with 4–6 Cl atoms was infused into isolated, perfused, biliary intact livers (n=3 fish) removed from 3-methylcholanthrene-induced channel catfish. Controls (n=3) were infused with vehicle. Subsequently, [³H]-BaP-7, 8-D was infused into each liver and bile was collected for 1 h. The livers were taken for analysis of metabolites and DNA adducts. Induction status was confirmed by EROD assay. Bile was analyzed for metabolites. It was found that preinfusion of the mixture of OH-PCBs reduced the extent of glucuronidation of BaP-7, 8-D and increased the formation of DNA adducts 5-fold over controls. GSH conjugates, tetrols and triols were increased in the OH-PCB-infused fish, providing further support for our hypothesis that if the glucuronidation were inhibited, CYP-dependent activation would increase. These studies suggest a mechanism for synergy of toxicity of PAH and PCBs.     

Increased toxicity of benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol in the presence of polychlorobiphenylols

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) often co-exist in contaminated environments. Polychlorobiphenylols (OH-PCBs), formed by CYP-dependent monooxygenation of PCBs, are potent inhibitors of the glucuronidation of hydroxylated BaP metabolites. We hypothesized that OH-PCBs could drive the biotransformation of (-)BaP-7,8-dihydrodiol (BaP-7, 8-D) away from detoxication and towards formation of the reactive metabolite. A mixture of five OH-PCBs with 4-6 Cl atoms was infused into isolated, perfused, biliary intact livers (n=3 fish) removed from 3-methylcholanthrene-induced channel catfish. Controls (n=3) were infused with vehicle. Subsequently, [3H]-BaP-7, 8-D was infused into each liver and bile was collected for 1 h. The livers were taken for analysis of metabolites and DNA adducts. Induction status was confirmed by EROD assay. Bile was analyzed for metabolites. It was found that preinfusion of the mixture of OH-PCBs reduced the extent of glucuronidation of BaP-7, 8-D and increased the formation of DNA adducts 5-fold over controls. GSH conjugates, tetrols and triols were increased in the OH-PCB-infused fish, providing further support for our hypothesis that if the glucuronidation were inhibited, CYP-dependent activation would increase. These studies suggest a mechanism for synergy of toxicity of PAH and PCBs.     

A comparative study of the differential blood cell counts of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) collected in New England

Major alterations in the distribution of peripheral blood cells were observed among winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) from Martha's Vineyard (MV), East Cape Cod Bay (ECCB), Fox Island (FI) (Narragansett Bay), Central Long Island Sound (CLIS), Gaspee Point (GP) (Narragansett Bay), Black Rock Harbor (BRH) (Bridgeport, CT), New Bedford Harbor (NBH) and Quincy Bay (QB) (Boston Harbor). Collection locations ranged from relatively uncontaminated offshore (MV) and nearshore (ECCB) sites to the more contaminated estuarine (FI, CLIS) and urban embayments (GP, BRH, NBH, QB). Differential diagnosis demonstrated a shift in lymphocyte counts from 28% (MV) to 54% (QB) that increased with the incidence of liver lesions in relation to known and suspected levels of sediment chemical contamination. A significant change in the ratio of circulating immature to mature erythrocytes was observed in flounder collected from Boston Harbor. Immature erythrocytes comprised 18% of the total erythrocyte population of fish from QB in comparison to 6% observed in flounder from ECCB.     

Individual variation in patterns of benzo[a]pyrene metabolism in the marine fish scup (Stenotomus chrysops)

The metabolism at specific sites on carcinogenic hydrocarbons such as benzo[a]pyrene (BP) is responsible for activation to the ultimate mutagens and carcinogens, and patterns of metabolism can thus influence the biological effect of such compounds. Marine fish are known to efficiently metabolize BP at the benzo-ring, forming high percentages of the 9,10-dihydrodiol (DHD) and 7,8-DHD, the latter including the penultimate carcinogen.^1,2 Hydrocarbon-induced cytochrome P-450 in fish is responsible for initiating metabolism on the benzo-ring, but epoxide hydrolase (EH) activity is required for DHD formation.^3,4 Both factors could influence formation of the DHD leading to the ultimate carcinogenic diol-epoxide. In the present study, patterns of BP metabolism were evaluated in a number of individual scup Stenotomus chrysops sampled from local Woods Hole waters, and a correlation is described between variation in the DHD formation and EH activity in these feral fish.     

EROD activities of liver in Mugil so-iuy exposed to benzo (a)pyrene, pyrene and their mixture

Abstract-The effects on hepatic EROD (7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase) in Mugil so-iuy exposedto benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), pyrene and their mixtures of equal concentration were investigated, at con-centrations of 0.1, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 50.0 μg/dm~3, in experimental condition. Time-effects and dose-response of the biochemical indexs were observed. The results showed that the hepatic EROD activitieswere induced by the exposure of BaP, pyrene and their mixtures at high concentration. Dose-responseconnections were that the hepatic EROD activities were elevated with increasing concentration of the pol-lutants. The combined effect of BaP and pyrene at 1:1 concentration ratio on hepatic EROD activity wasantagonism.     

Correlative changes in metabolism and DNA damage in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

Juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) were injected intraperitoneally with either corn oil or 5 mg/kg benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) dissolved in corn oil and sampled I and 3 days after injection. After 1 day, no elevation of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was observed, however bile metabolites (BaP-7,8 dihydrodiol representing 70% of the total metabolites) and a single hepatic DNA adduct spot (0.47 adducts/10(8) nucleotides) identified by 32P-postlabelling were formed. No BaP metabolites or DNA adducts were observed in either control or carrier control fish. Fish sampled after 3 days reported 5-fold higher (P < 0.05) levels of EROD activity, a shift in the bile metabolite profile towards BaP phenol formation (1OH and 30H BaP comprising up to 60% of total metabolites detected) and the formation of two adduct spots (0.86 and 0.71 adducts/10(8) nucleotides). These results show that BaP can be metabolised and form hydrophobic DNA adducts in turbot without EROD elevation. Following EROD elevation, a shift in the profile of both BaP metabolites and BaP metabolite-DNA interactions occurs indicative of other oxidative processes.     

三丁基锡对褐菖鲉(Sebastiscus marmoratus)体内苯并(α)芘代谢的影响

在水生毒理学研究中,污染物与污染物之间的相互作用是一个重要的课题.苯并(α)芘[benzo(α)pyrene,BaP]是一种具有致癌性的多环芳烃(poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon,PAH),而三丁基锡(tributyl tin,TBT)则是用于防污涂料的具有很强毒性的有机金属.许多化学物进入生物体内后的转化分为两个阶段.在Ⅰ相反应阶段,亲脂性底物被氧化代谢形成各种中间代谢物,这些中间代谢物具有很高的生物活性,容易对生物体产生毒性.     

苯并（a）芘诱导下岩虫CYP基因的表达特征

Rapid amplification of cDNA ends(RACE) and real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) were carried out to analyze the CYP4 gene expression in polychaete Marphysa sanguinea exposed to benzo[a]pyrene(BaP) in this study. The full length of MsCYP4 cDNA was 2 470 bp, and it encoded 512 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 47% identity with CYP4 F from frog Xenopus tropicalis and shared high homology with other known CYP4 sequences. To analyse the role of CYP4 in protecting M. sanguinea from BaP exposure, three BaP groups were established: 0.5, 5 and 50 μg/L. Polychaetes were sampled after 3, 7 and 12 d. At 0.5 μg/L, the effect of BaP on MsCYP4 gene expression increased with time prolonged. MsCYP4 gene expression curve showed Ushaped trend with time in 5 and 50 μg/L BaP groups. Therefore, MsCYP4 gene may play an important role in maintaining the balance of cellular metabolism and protecting M. sanguinea from BaP toxicity.     

Dietary cadmium and benzo(a)pyrene increased intestinal metallothionein expression in the fish Fundulus heteroclitus

Fish were individually fed food pellets containing cadmium, benzo(a)pyrene, or a combination of the two, then analyzed for metallothionein mRNA expression in the intestine, liver, and gill using real-time RT-qPCR. An initial experiment using only cadmium showed that ingestion of pellets varied in individual fish, and estimates of cadmium dose from the numbers of ingested pellets indicated considerable individual variability in cadmium dose. Induction of intestinal metallothionein mRNA was apparent, however, and a linear dose–response relationship was observed for metallothionein expression and cadmium dose in the intestine, but not the other organs, which showed no induction. In a second experiment, the entire daily cadmium dose was provided in a single contaminated pellet that was consumed by all treated fish, effectively eliminating the effect of variable ingestion rates on dose, and the interaction between cadmium and benzo(a)pyrene was also investigated. The intestine was again the primary organ for metallothionein induction by cadmium. When benzo(a)pyrene was administered together with cadmium, induction of metallothionein was potentiated by the presence of benzo(a)pyrene, with the main effect seen in the intestine, where already high levels of induction by cadmium alone increased by 1.74-fold when benzo(a)pyrene was present.     

苯并(a)芘影响黑鲷肝脏EROD活性变化的动力学研究

研究了黑鲷(Sparusmacro cephalus)在实验生态条件下暴露于不同浓度苯并(a)芘(benzo(a)pyrene,BaP)后,肝脏乙氧基异吩噁唑酮脱乙基酶(EROD)活性在不同暴露时相的动力学变化情况.EROD活性采用动力学方法测定.实验结果表明,暴露于较低质量浓度BaP(0.5,1.0μg/L)黑鲷肝脏的EROD活性在2 d后极显著高于对照组(P<0.01),2.0μg/L组则在2 h后极显著高于对照组,并且随暴露时间的延长,诱导程度表现出不同的下降趋势,而暴露于高质量浓度组(5.0 μg/L)的肝脏EROD活性极显著性诱导出现在12h.总体上较高质量浓度组(2.0,5.0μg/L)EROD活性出现极显著性诱导的时间比低质量浓度组(0.5,1.0μg/L)早,诱导程度也比低质量浓度组的高.在净化实验中各暴露组肝脏EROD活性均下降,与空白对照组比较均没有显著性差异,说明试验浓度没有超出严重损伤肝脏自身恢复系统的范围,在此浓度范围内污染的鱼通过净化可清除BaP污染.     

Interactive effects of cadmium and benzo[a]pyrene on metallothionein induction in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus).

Previous experiments demonstrated that exposure of mummichog to cadmium (Cd) in combination with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) caused a higher mortality than would be expected from simple additive effects. Experiments are described here that investigated whether BaP exposure inhibits the induction of metallothionein (MT), a major detoxifying protein for Cd, or if reactive BaP metabolites compete with Cd for binding sites on MT. Fish were injected with or without BaP (18 mg/kg) in combination with a low (1 mg/kg) or high (3.2 mg/kg) dose of Cd, and in one treatment BP was dosed 4 days after Cd. The results showed a rapid induction of MT to 1.5 mg/g wet weight liver, 1 day after injecting the low Cd dose. Simultaneous BaP exposure significantly delayed the induction of MT, for both low and high Cd doses, and BaP temporarily lowered the induced MT concentration when dosed 4 days after induction by Cd. To test if binding of BaP metabolites to MT reduces the detoxification potential for Cd, microsomes of CYP1A-induced fish were incubated with MT and radiolabeled BaP. Active metabolism of BaP was observed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, but no association of BaP metabolites with MT was found. Neither could this be demonstrated in vivo, in liver MT isolated from mummichog dosed with 3H-BaP and Cd. These results suggest that increased toxicity of Cd in combination with BaP exposure is likely to be caused by inhibited MT synthesis, rather than by interference of BaP metabolites with Cd binding on MT.     

苯并(a)芘和芘对梭鱼肝脏DNA损伤的研究

用苯并(a)芘、芘以及它们的等量混和物,分别在浓度为0.1,1,10,20,50μg/dm3浓度下对梭鱼暴污,5d后取梭鱼肝脏和鳃用碱解旋法分别测定其DNA的损伤,结果随着污染物浓度的增加,肝脏DNA损伤程度增加;在相同浓度下,苯并(a)芘和芘的联合毒性大于苯并(a)芘和芘分别作用时的毒性之和。所以苯并(a)芘和芘对DNA损伤的联合作用应为加强作用。     

Oxygen radicals production and actin filament disruption in bivalve haemocytes treated with benzo(a)pyrene

Haemocytes play an essential role in the internal defence of molluscs. It has been reported that organic xenobiotics commonly found as pollutants in the marine environment impair defence capabilities of haemocytes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] on the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton and on endocytosis in haemocytes and to see if these effects are related to generation of reactive oxygen species. Haemocytes were exposed in vitro to B(a)P (0.5–40 μg/ml) for 1 h. Cell viability (using 2,3-bis[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide or XTT assay) indicated that selected doses were sublethal. Uptake of neutral red was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner in B(a)P-treated haemocytes. Distribution of actin filaments, labeled with rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin, was altered in haemocytes treated with 20 or 40 μg/ml B(a)P. These effects could be related to an increased production of superoxide anion during B(a)P metabolism, as detected by the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay in haemocytes treated with 10 μg/ml B(a)P.     

The Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) model: applicability for investigating the immunosuppressive effects of the aquatic pollutant benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)

Despite the fact that BaP is a carcinogen, mammalian immunosuppressant, and ubiquitous aquatic pollutant, knowledge regarding the effects of BaP on the immune system of fish is still lacking. To begin to fill this gap, studies were conducted in medaka to examine the effects and mechanisms by which BaP exposure might alter host immunocompetence. Fish, exposed by IP injection of BaP (2-600 microg/g BW), were examined after 48 h for effects upon immune function and CYP1A expression/activity. Benzo[a]pyrene, at a concentration below that which increased levels of CYPIA expression/activity (2 microg BaP/g BW) suppressed lymphocyte proliferation. Concentrations of BaP at 20 and 200 microg/g BW. suppressed antibody-forming cell (AFC) numbers, superoxide production, and host resistance against bacteria. In contrast, exposure to the low affinity aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, benzo[e]pyrene (BeP), neither induced CYP1A expression nor altered immune function. Given the lack of immunosuppressive effects produced by BeP, and the fact that exposure to the AhR antagonist (and CYP1A inhibitor) alpha-naphthoflavone (ANF) ameliorated the suppressive effects of BaP upon AFC numbers, the AhR pathway (including CYP1A-mediated production of reactive BaP metabolites) appears important in mediating BaP-induced immunotoxicity in fish, as in mammals. In the past, the medaka has proven a successful model for assessing carcinogenic agents. These studies have demonstrated its utility for also determining the immunosuppressive effects of an important aquatic contaminant.