title: Metabolism of 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene in rat lung preparations.
abstract: 6-Nitrobenzo[alpha]pyrene (6-NBaP) occurs in our environment. Since human exposure to environmental contaminants may occur via the inhalation route, we examined the metabolites of 6-NBaP formed in lung preparations, and compared the metabolite profile to that which was found with liver. The metabolites formed in both liver and lung preparations consisted of ring-hydroxylated 6-NBaP, 6-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (6-OHBaP) and small amounts of benzo[a]pyrene. In the lung experiments, 6-OHBaP most frequently oxidized to quinones. The mechanism for the formation of 6-OHBaP from 6-NBaP remains to be elucidated.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001580:Benzopyrenes / Q000378:metabolism*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D001580:Benzopyrenes; C034699:6-nitrobenzo(a)pyrene