title: Mechanism of DNA methylation by N-nitroso(2-oxopropyl)propylamine.
abstract: Using an in vitro assay system for measuring 7-methylguanine formation in DNA, it was demonstrated that N-nitroso(2-oxopropyl)propylamine (NOPPA) is converted into a methylating agent by a microsomal, cytochrome P-450 dependent mixed function oxidase from rat liver. Formation of propionaldehyde, but not formaldehyde, in this assay system, indicated that a single alpha-oxidation reaction on the propyl side chain of NOPPA leads to the formation of a methylating agent. A mechanism for this reaction is proposed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008745:Methylation; D008862:Microsomes, Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D009602:Nitrosamines / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D009602:Nitrosamines; C016637:2-oxopropyl-n-propylnitrosamine; D004247:DNA