Reaction of benzyl chloride with haemoglobin and DNA in various organs of mice

Abstract

[ 14C]Benzyl chloride was given i.v. to male mice and the elimination of the radioactivity from various organs was studied. The alkylation of guanine- N-7 of DNA in the same organs and the alkylation of haemoglobin were determined 1, 6 and 24 h after injection of benzyl chloride. There was a decrease with time of the degree of alkylation of DNA in brain, testis and liver, but an increase in lung and probably also spleen. The degree of alkylation of haemoglobin also increased. The expected degree of alkylation of DNA was calculated from the degree of alkylation of haemoglobin. The ratio of found and expected degree of alkylation of DNA was about 3 times higher for testis and brain than for the other organs 1 h after administration of benzyl chloride.