Species-specific testicular and hepatic microsomal metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene, an ubiquitous toxicant and endocrine disruptor

Toxicol In Vitro. 2007 Jun;21(4):753-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2007.01.005. Epub 2007 Jan 14.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzo(a)pyrene / metabolism*
  • Carcinogens / metabolism*
  • Cattle
  • Cricetinae
  • Endocrine Disruptors / metabolism*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Mesocricetus
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microsomes / drug effects
  • Microsomes / metabolism*
  • Microsomes, Liver / drug effects
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism*
  • Organ Specificity
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred F344
  • Sheep
  • Species Specificity
  • Swine
  • Testis / drug effects
  • Testis / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Benzo(a)pyrene