Species-specific testicular and hepatic microsomal metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene, an ubiquitous toxicant and endocrine disruptor.
Information on the metabolism of the environmental toxicant, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in the male reproductive system is crucial for understanding BaP-induced infertility. Microsomes were isolated from the liver and testes of rat, mouse, hamster, ram, boar, bull, and monkey and incubated with BaP. Post-incubation, samples were extracted with ethyl acetate and analyzed for BaP/metabolites by reverse-phase HPLC with fluorescence detection. A great variation among species to metabolize BaP was observed. The rodent testicular microsomes produced higher proportions of BaP 4,5-diol and 9,10-diol than did boar, ram, bull, and monkey. On the other hand, hepatic microsomes from higher mammals converted a greater proportion of BaP to 3-hydroxy and 9-hydroxy BaP, the detoxification products of BaP. Given the ability of BaP 7-8-diol 9, 10-epoxide, 3-, and 9-hydroxy BaP to bind with DNA and form adducts, there is a likelihood of risk arising from the accumulation of BaP metabolites in testicular tissues. These metabolites may interfere with the formation and function of gametes, eventually contributing to infertility.
Smith
Tené L
TL
Department of Biology, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.
Merry
Shayla T
ST
Harris
Deacqunita L
DL
Joe Ford
J
J
Ike
Justus
J
Archibong
Anthony E
AE
Ramesh
Aramandla
A
D000818:Animals; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene / Q000378:metabolism*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000378:metabolism*; D002417:Cattle; D006224:Cricetinae; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008861:Microsomes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008862:Microsomes, Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D012756:Sheep; D013045:Species Specificity; D013552:Swine; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D002273:Carcinogens; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene