title: Induction of benzo( )pyrene hydroxylase in human skin.
abstract: Foreskins from children who were circumcised 2 to 4 days after birth contain an enzyme system that hydroxylates the carcinogen benzo[alpha]pyrene. When foreskin was cultured for 16 hours in the presence of 10 micromolar benz[alpha]anthracene, a two- to fivefold increase in activity of benzo[alpha]pyrene hydroxylase was obtained. An evaluation of the basal activity and inducibility of carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes in human tissues may provide a means of determining the ability of different individuals to metabolize carcinogens.
mesh_terms: D001551:Benz(a)Anthracenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001580:Benzopyrenes; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004790:Enzyme Induction; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D006899:Mixed Function Oxygenases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D009249:NADP / Q000494:pharmacology; D010413:Penis; D012867:Skin / Q000201:enzymology*
chemical_list: D001551:Benz(a)Anthracenes; D001580:Benzopyrenes; D009249:NADP; D006899:Mixed Function Oxygenases