title: Benzo[a]pyrene uptake by lymph: a possible transport mode for immunosuppressive chemicals.
abstract: Benzo[a]pyrene, a lipophilic promutagen, reached maximal concentrations in the thoracic duct lymphatic circulation within 2 h after gastric instillation. Benzo[a]pyrene in lymph obtained by thoracic duct cannulation decreased to approximately control levels within 4 h after treatment. When lymph was not allowed to enter the blood vascular circulation, serum levels of benzo[a]pyrene increased very slowly, suggesting minimal mesenteric blood vascular absorption of the lipophilic hydrocarbon. Benzo[a]pyrene partitions into lymph lipoproteins as a function of the lipoprotein concentration. Data suggest that low-density lipoproteins may take up benzo[a]pyrene more efficiently than do very low-density or high-density lipoproteins, and that lymph components other than lipoproteins do not take up and transport benzo[a]pyrene. We propose that lipophilic xenobiotic compounds interact with cells of the immune system via lymphatic lipoprotein transport of potentially mutagenic, carcinogenic, or immunosuppressive agents.
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene; D001580:Benzopyrenes / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000032:analysis; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005260:Female; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D008196:Lymph / Q000378:metabolism*; D012756:Sheep; D014316:Tritium
chemical_list: D001580:Benzopyrenes; D008074:Lipoproteins; D014316:Tritium; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene; D002784:Cholesterol