Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase Induction Research Articles

Identification of the Ah receptor in selected mammalian species and induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase.

The Ah receptor protein, important in the mechanism of induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity, has been identified and partially characterized in hepatic cytosolic preparations from rat, BALB/c mouse, gerbil, hamster, rabbit, ferret and guinea-pig by means of sucrose density centrifugation analysis and hydroxyapatite binding assays. Using 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro[3H]dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) as the ligand, total specific binding capacities ranged over 74-691 fmol [3H]TCDD/mg cytosolic protein and apparent dissociation constants ranged over 0.30-7.8 nM. There was no quantitative correlation between the concentration of cytosolic Ah receptors and the 3-methylcholanthrene-mediated induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in the species studied. Competitive binding studies with a series of monohydroxylated benzo[a]pyrene derivatives suggested the importance of electronic character in their ability to bind to the Ah receptor and to compete with TCDD for specific binding sites on the receptor.

In Vitro Induction of Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase in Baboon Pulmonary Alveolar Macrophages and Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes

Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity was measured in cultured pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) (n = 12) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (n = 72) from unrelated baboons. It was determined that optional AHH induction was observed in PAMs when cells were cultured for 24 or 48 hours in the presence of a 15 μM concentration of the inducer, benzanthracene (BA). Maximal enzyme activity was observed in mitogen-activated lymphocytes when cells were cultured for 96 or 120 hours in the presence of 10 μM BA concentration. Additionally, there were no differences in PAM or lymphocyte AHH induction when cells were cultured in different types of culture medium (P > 0.10 in all instances, using paired, 2-tailed, Student's t-test). Similarly, no differences were observed between PAM AHH activity when human AB serum or autologous baboon serum was used in the culture medium (P > 0.30). However, slightly higher BA-induced AHH levels were noted in lymphocytes cultured in the presence of autologous baboon serum as compared with human AB serum (P < 0.02). Using optimal culture conditions for PAMs and lymphocytes from individual baboons a 6.5-fold interindividual variation in PAM and a 30-fold variation in lymphocyte BA-induced AHH levels were observed (n = 8 and 64, respectively). These studies document that AHH is measurable in cultured baboon PAMs and lymphocytes and that there is wide interindividual variation in BA-induced AHH levels. The distribution of AHH activity appears to be similar to that observed in the human population.

Toxicity of 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-hexabrominated biphenyl and 3,4,3′,4′-tetrabrominated biphenyl

Immature male rats were given a single equimolar dose (21.3 μmol/kg body wt) of 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-hexabromobiphenyl (HBB) or 3,4,3′,4′-tetrabromobiphenyl (TBB) and terminated at various times up to 14 days after treatment. Hepatic microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity for the TBB treatment group was maximal at Day 2 and then steadily decreased, whereas this activity was induced in 1 day and remained high for the HBB treatment group. Tissue concentrations of HBB appeared to be unchanged over time whereas tissue concentrations of TBB decreased in a biphasic manner. Rates of in vitro metabolism of TBB with hepatic microsomes from TBB-treated animals showed a similar time-course relationship to AHH induction. HBB caused moderate to severe hepatic changes while TBB-treated rats had only mild hepatic changes. The relative binding of TBB by the hepatic receptor for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) was about 10 times that of HBB. The results suggest that even though the receptor-binding affinities imply that TBB should be more toxic than HBB, it is less toxic than HBB because it is metabolized. Studies with the chlorinated analogs of TBB and HBB suggested that PCB behave similarly. These results also suggest that receptor binding and AHH induction do not accurately reflect toxicity for polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons which are metabolized, presumably because continued occupation of the receptor and persistent induction of some enzyme activity are required for toxicity.

Measurements of the cytosolic Ah receptor among four strains of Drosophila melanogaster.

Four strains of Drosophila melanogaster exhibit differences in aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) inducibility by phenobarbital or Aroclor 1254, yet do not show the typical AHH induction response when exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or benzo[a]anthracene. Adult flies were nevertheless examined for the presence of cytosolic TCDD-specific binding (Ah receptor). Berlin-K and Haag 79 exhibit AHH induction by Aroclor 1254 and possess detectable amounts of Ah receptor. Hikone-R has negligible AHH inducibility by Aroclor 1254, yet possesses measurable amounts of the receptor. Oregon-K displays AHH induction by Aroclor 1254 but has no detectable levels of the cytosolic receptor. Specific (high-affinity, low-capacity and saturable) binding of [3H-1,6]TCDD to the Ah receptor in D. melanogaster was shown to be similar to that observed in C57BL/6 mouse liver. Similar specific binding of generally labeled [3H]benzo[a]anthracene in D. melanogaster cytosol was not found. These data suggest that the presence of the Ah receptor per se, or quantity of receptor, does not guarantee AHH inducibility by TCDD or benzo[a]anthracene in adults of these four fruit fly strains.

Inducing Potency of Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase Activity in Human Lymphoblastoid Cells and Mice by Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran Congeners

Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH)-inducing potency of eight polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) isomers, 3,4,5,3',4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxon (TCDD) in two inbred mouse strains (AHH responsive and nonresponsive mouse strains) and eight human lymphoblastoid cell lines (four males and four females) was investigated to evaluate their relative toxic potency. In AHH nonresponsive DBA mouse strain, only TCDD induced hepatic AHH activity at a dose of 30 micrograms/kg, while in AHH responsive C57 mouse strain, six PCDF isomers besides TCDD could enhance the enzyme activity significantly. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF), 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (1,2,3,7,8-PCDF) and 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,4,7,8-PCDF) showed the highest AHH inducing activity among the PCDF isomers tested. In contrast with the results obtained from the mouse experiments, in human lymphoblastoid cells, 2,3,4,7,8-PCDF, 1,2,3,4,6,7-hexachlorodibenzofuran (1,2,3,4,6,7-HCDF) and 1,2,3,7,8-hexachlorodibenzofuran (1,2,3,4,7,8-HCDF) elicited the highest AHH induction and were as potent AHH inducers as TCDD. These observations suggest that toxicities of 2,3,4,7,8-PCDF, 1,2,3,4,6,7-HCDF and 1,2,3,4,7,8-HCDF in human tissues may be comparable to that of TCDD. It was also observed that in both male and female human cell lines, the degree of AHH inducibilities of these compounds were roughly parallel to that of 3-methylcholanthrene, possibly indicating that genetic susceptibility among human population to the toxic compounds are also present similar to those reported among mouse strains.

Inducing potency of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in human lymphoblastoid cells and mice by polychlorinated dibenzofuran congeners.

Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH)-inducing potency of eight polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) isomers, 3,4,5,3',4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxon (TCDD) in two inbred mouse strains (AHH responsive and nonresponsive mouse strains) and eight human lymphoblastoid cell lines (four males and four females) was investigated to evaluate their relative toxic potency. In AHH nonresponsive DBA mouse strain, only TCDD induced hepatic AHH activity at a dose of 30 micrograms/kg, while in AHH responsive C57 mouse strain, six PCDF isomers besides TCDD could enhance the enzyme activity significantly. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF), 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (1,2,3,7,8-PCDF) and 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,4,7,8-PCDF) showed the highest AHH inducing activity among the PCDF isomers tested. In contrast with the results obtained from the mouse experiments, in human lymphoblastoid cells, 2,3,4,7,8-PCDF, 1,2,3,4,6,7-hexachlorodibenzofuran (1,2,3,4,6,7-HCDF) and 1,2,3,7,8-hexachlorodibenzofuran (1,2,3,4,7,8-HCDF) elicited the highest AHH induction and were as potent AHH inducers as TCDD. These observations suggest that toxicities of 2,3,4,7,8-PCDF, 1,2,3,4,6,7-HCDF and 1,2,3,4,7,8-HCDF in human tissues may be comparable to that of TCDD. It was also observed that in both male and female human cell lines, the degree of AHH inducibilities of these compounds were roughly parallel to that of 3-methylcholanthrene, possibly indicating that genetic susceptibility among human population to the toxic compounds are also present similar to those reported among mouse strains.

Effect of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction on the in vivo covalent binding of 1-nitropyrene, benzo[ a]pyrene, 2-aminoanthracene, and phenanthridone to mouse lung deoxyribonucleic acid

The effect of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction on the covalent binding of 1-nitropyrene (1-NP), benzo[ a]pyrene (BaP), 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA), and phenanthridone (PNDO) to mouse lung DNA was investigated. Cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases were induced in mouse lung by intratracheal instillation of BaP, Aroclor-1254, or coal gas condensate (CGC) 24 hr before instillation of [ 3H]BaP, [ 3H]-2-AA, [ 14C]-1-NP, or [ 14C]PNDO. All inducing agents increased the amount of radioactivity of [ 3H]BaP, [ 3H]-2-AA, and [ 14C]-1-NP or metabolites bound to DNA. However, pretreatment with BaP resulted in the highest amounts of radiolabels covalently bound to DNA. At 4 hr after instillation of radiolabels in BaP-induced mice, the amounts of [ 3H]BaP, [ 3H]-2-AA, and [ 14C]-1-NP bound to DNA were increased 5.4−, 5.2−, and 160-fold above that of control levels; the amount of 1-NP bound to DNA was fifty times higher than the amount bound by BaP. Labeled compounds were still bound to DNA 1 week after administration. [ 14C]PNDO was not bound to DNA in uninduced or induced mice. Based on the amount of labeled compounds bound to DNA, pretreatment of mice with BaP and CGC induced enzymes with similar specificities; however, enzymes induced by Aroclor were less effective in the metabolism of labeled compounds to DNA-bound products. These data show that specific cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases are inducible in mouse lung and suggest that pre-exposure to inducing agents may be important in the potential toxicity to proximal tissues in direct contact with inhaled xenobiotics.

Genetically mediated induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in mice by polychlorinated dibenzofuran isomers and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

Hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH)-inducing potency of toxic polychlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons such as polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), 3,4,5,3',4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was studied in four inbred strains of mice with different phenotypes of Ah locus, i.e., AHH-responsive strains: C57BL/6N and AKR/Ms Qdj, and AHH-nonresponsive strains: DBA/2Cr Slc and Qdj; DDD. Eight individual PCDF isomers or TCDD were administered IP in doses of 30 micrograms/kg; HCB was given in a dose of 120 micrograms/kg. In AHH-nonresponsive strains of mice, only TCDD significantly induced hepatic AHH activity, while in AHH-responsive strains, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran(2,3,7,8-TCDF), 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran(1,2,3,7,8-PCDF), 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran(2,3,4,7,8-PCDF), and TCDD significantly enhanced the enzyme activity, and the induced AHH activities with the three PCDF isomers were about 30-65% of those of TCDD. These results indicate that AHH responsiveness in mice segregates with the induction of AHH activity by PCDF isomers and may also segregate with the toxic potency of the isomers; i.e., toxic potencies of 2,3,7,8-TCDF, 1,2,3,7,8-PCDF, and 2,3,4,7,8-PCDF in AHH-responsive strains of mice may be much greater than those in AHH-nonresponsive strains of mice. Taking into account both the potent AHH inducibility and the high bioaccumulation of 2,3,7,8-TCDF, 1,2,3,7,8-PCDF, and 2,3,4,7,8-PCDF, these three PCDF isomers should be given greater attention with regard to environmental contamination.

Polychlorinated biphenyls: correlation between in vivo and in vitro quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs).

The in vivo quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) for several polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in the immature male Wistar rat. The ED25 and ED50 values for hepatic microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) induction as well as for body weight loss and for thymic atrophy were determined for nine PCB congeners and 4'-bromo-2,3,4,5-tetrachlorobiphenyl. The most active compounds were the coplanar PCB congeners, 3,3',4,4',5-penta- and 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl; for example, their ED50 values for body weight loss were 3.25 and 15.1 mumol/kg, respectively. The in vivo toxicity of the coplanar PCB, 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, was significantly lower (ED50 for body weight loss = 730 mumol/kg) than the values observed for the more highly chlorinated homologs, and this was consistent with the more rapid metabolism of the lower chlorinated congener. The dose-response biologic and toxic effects of several mono-ortho-chloro-substituted analogs of the coplanar PCBs, including 2,3,4,4'5-, 2,3,3',4,4'-, 2',3,4,4',5- and 2,3',4,4',5-penta-, 2,3,3',4,4',5- and 2,3,3',4,4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl were also determined, and members of this group of compounds were all less toxic than 3,3',4,4',5-penta and 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl. There was a good rank order correlation between the in vivo QSAR data and the in vitro QSARs for PCBs that were developed from their relative receptor binding affinities and potencies as inducers of AHH and EROD in rat hepatoma H-4-II E cells in culture. These results are consistent with the proposed receptor-mediated mechanism of action for PCBs. In addition, for this series of halogenated biphenyls there was a linear correlation between their in vivo toxicity in rats and their in vitro monooxygenase enzyme induction results. Assuming that the in vivo toxic responses in the rat are representative toxic responses to PCBs, then these results support the predictive utility of the in vitro bioassay with rat hepatoma H-4-II E cells as a short-term test system for the potential toxicity of this class of halogenated aryl hydrocarbons.

In vitro AHH induction by polychlorinated biphenyl and dibenzofuran mixtures: Additive effects

The activities of several individual polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and several environmentally significant reconstituted mixtures of these compounds as inducers of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) in rat hepatoma H-4-II E cells were determined. The observed AHH and EROD induction EC 50S for the mixtures were compared with the calculated values, which were based on the summation of the relative per cent contributions of the individual components of the reconstituted PCB and PCDF mixtures. The results show that the differences between the observed and calculated EC 50s for these mixtures were minimal or not significant and the data supports the use of the rat hepatoma H-4-II E cell system as a bioassay for toxic halogenated aryl hydrocarbons.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase Induction in Adult Rat Hepatocytes in Primary Culture by Several Chlorinated Aromatic Hydrocarbons Including 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase Induction in Adult Rat Hepatocytes in Primary Culture by Several Chlorinated Aromatic Hydrocarbons Including 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-<i>p</i>-dioxin

Induction of rat-hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase by 1,3-benzodioxole derivatives

Several 1,3-benzodioxoles (BD) and related compounds were studied in relation to their ability to generate metabolite complexes with hepatic cytochrome P-450 following administration in vivo to rats. BD derivatives that formed stable metabolite complexes with cytochrome P-450 were considerably more effective inducers of cytochrome P-450 and aryl hydrocarbon (benzo[alpha]pyrene) hydroxylase (AHH) activity than derivatives that did not form stable complexes. Linear regression analysis showed that AHH activity was well correlated (r = 0.980) with total (i.e. complexed plus uncomplexed) cytochrome P-450 content and was not correlated with levels of uncomplexed cytochrome P-450. Aminopyrine N-demethylase (APDM) activity in hepatic microsomes from rats treated with 1,3-benzodioxoles was moderately correlated in a linear relationship with uncomplexed levels of cytochrome P-450 and not with total cytochrome P-450.

Simultaneous administration of TCDD and TDCF at different ratios induces different effects

2.3.7.8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is among the most potent mixed-function oxidase (MFO) inducing agents and is also a very potent immunosuppressant in animals (1,2). Generally, 2.3.7.8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) induces similar toxic effects at amounts 10-30 times larger (3). The toxic effects of both compounds are considered to depend upon binding to the cytosolic receptor regulated by the Ah locus (I). It is now known that incineration of solid urban waste produces emissions in which polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF) are measurable components (4). The ratio between the two classes of compounds and the amounts of the different isomers may vary greatly because of the composition of the waste burned and the burning temperature (4). However, in spite of the potential hazard of these emissions, there is only fragmentary information on the bioavailability of the toxins present in the mixtures and even less data on their effects when mixtures with known amounts of different toxins are studied in controlled experimental conditions. Since TCDD is such a potent ~0 inducer and TCDF is qualitatively similar, there are grounds for carefully evaluating the effects of combined exposure, alterations in the metabolism and bioavailability of both being a realistic possibility. Among the toxic effects induced by TCDD, alteration of primary antibody production and induction of hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) are the most sensitive parameters, even at very low doses, at least in Ah b mice (1,2). In an attempt to investigate the potential toxicological properties of mixtures of TCDD and TCDF, their effects were studied on immune response and enzyme inducibility. The two toxins were used at different ratios in order to cover different natural conditions of exposure and to find out whether the relative concentrations influenced the final results differently.

Characterization of TCDD-receptor ligands present in extracts of urban particulate matter

Extracts of filter-collected urban airborne particulate matter contain compounds which can competitively inhibit 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) binding to the rat liver TCDD-receptor protein. The concentration of conventional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans cannot account for more than 1%–30% of the observed competition for TCDD-binding to the receptor protein. Chemical fractionation of an extract of a well-characterized particulate air sample collected in Washington, DC showed the highest activity residing in the hexane/benzene fraction, although significant levels of activity were found also in other fractions. Analysis of extracts of gasoline exhaust particulate matter and fractions thereof gave similar results. A series of pure PAHs and nitro-and chloroderivatives of PAHs was tested for competition with TCDD for receptor binding. Among the most potent compounds with EC 50-values similar to tetrachlorodibenzofuran were 1- and 3-nitrobenzo( a)-pyrene. Other highly active compounds included dibenzo( a,h)anthracene, benzo( j)fluoranthene, benzo( k)fluoranthene, picene, indeno(1,2,3- cd)pyrene, 3-nitroperylene, and 3,9-and 3,10-dinitroperylene. the EC 50-value for aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction in hepatoma cells and the EC 50-value for TCDD-receptor binding were similar for dibenzo( a,h)anthracene and for a PAH-containing fraction of an extract of gasoline exhaust particulates. The presence of active TCDD-receptor ligands in extracts of urban particulate matter and their ability to be taken up by cells and cause biological alterations represent a potential health risk. The identity of these compounds are largely unknown although certain PAHs and possibly some nitroderivatives of PAHs are likely to play a role.

Differential sensitivity of Ah-responsive mice to beta-naphthoflavone-induced metabolism and mutagenesis of benzo[a]pyrene and aflatoxin B1.

Effects of the administration to C57BL/6ha (Ah-responsive) mice of a low (10 mg/kg) and a high dose (150 mg/kg) of beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) on the hepatic microsome-mediated mutagenesis and metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) were studied. Hepatic microsome-mediated mutagenesis of benzo[a]pyrene was not enhanced by the low dose (10 mg/kg) but at the high dose (150 mg/kg) the mutagenic activation was enhanced several fold relative to control (corn oil-treated). Mutagenic activity of aflatoxin B1 was however depressed by both the low and the high doses of beta NF. These results are consistent with the effects of beta NF administration on hepatic microsome-mediated metabolism of BP to its phenolic products and on the metabolism of aflatoxin B1 to aflatoxin M1 catalyzed by aflatoxin B1-4-hydroxylase. Relative to control, pretreatment of the mice with 10 mg/kg beta NF did not induce aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity (a measure of BP metabolism), however, the same pretreatment induced the metabolism of AFB1 to AFM1 by 2.7 to 4.7-fold. Microsomal preparations from 150 mg/kg beta NF-pretreated mice showed a 3-fold induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity and a 6.8-fold induction of AFB1-4-hydroxylase activity. These results suggest that two different enzyme systems are involved in the metabolism of BP and the metabolism of AFB1 to AFM1.

Mutagen sensitivity, smoking habits and enzyme induction in healthy middle-aged men

Unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) (excision-repair) of N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (NA-AAF) damage to the DNA of human lymphocytes and levels of 3H-labeled NA-AAF bound to the DNA (carcinogen binding) of lymphocytes after 18 hr of culturing were measured in a consecutive subsample of healthy middle-aged males attending a multiphasic health screening program at the Department of Preventive Medicine in Malmö during 3 weeks in November-December 1981, and compared relative to their smoking habits, body weight, serum cholesterol, and γ-glutamyltransferase levels as well as aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase inducibility. This study group numbered 66 males and was uniform in sex, age, and investigation time. No case of significant arterial hypertension was present. The UDS and carcinogen binding results showed no correlation with the other factors measured, with the exception of smoking which was strongly ( P < 0.01) associated with increasing levels of both the UDS and carcinogen binding values. It is concluded that under ordinary circumstances smoking may represent the most important exogenous factor which may modulate risk to cardiovascular disease and cancer by influencing individual mutagen sensitivity.

Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction levels in patients with malignant tumors associated with smoking.

The levels of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) inducibility were assessed in 173 patients with cancers statistically associated with smoking, i.e., squamous cell and transitional cell carcinomas, at various sites. In 34 patients with carcinomas of the oral cavity, 41 patients with laryngeal carcinomas, and 22 patients with pulmonary carcinomas there was a highly significant overrepresentation of high inducers, whereas 30 patients with carcinomas of the renal pelvis and ureter and 46 patients with urinary bladder carcinomas did not differ significantly in this respect from a control population comprising 92 subjects with no history of neoplastic disease. The results add further support to the concept of AHH as a major activator of carcinogens belonging to the group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) when these affect the oral cavity and/or the respiratory tract. The role of AHH in urothelial carcinogenesis seems to be less explicit.

Biochemical and genetic analysis of variant mouse hepatoma cells which overtranscribe the cytochrome P1-450 gene in response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

Using the fluorescence-activated cell sorter, we have isolated a population of variant mouse hepatoma cells which have a markedly increased ability to metabolize benzo(a)pyrene. Compared with wild-type (Hepa 1c1c7) cells, the variant cells exhibit increased aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity and increased responsiveness of the aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction mechanism to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Cell fusion experiments indicate that the variant phenotype is co-dominant with respect to wild-type. Filter hybridization analyses indicate that increased accumulation of cytochrome P1-450-specific mRNA accounts for the overproduction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. Measurements of RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei reveal that the variants exhibit an increased rate of transcription of the cytochrome P1-450 gene in response to TCDD. The variant cells contain no detectable alteration in their TCDD receptors, nor is the cytochrome P1-450 gene amplified in the variants. Filter hybridization analyses of restriction endonuclease-digested DNA indicate that the variant cytochrome P1-450 gene is relatively undermethylated, compared with the wild-type gene. We conclude that the variant cells contain an altered cis-acting genomic element(s) which regulates the expression of the cytochrome P1-450 gene.

Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs): Effects of structure on binding to the 2,3,7,8-TCDD cytosolic receptor protein, AHH induction and toxicity

The effects of structure on the activity of 26 polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) as competitive ligands for the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) rat hepatic cytosolic receptor protein were determined in a dose-response fashion. The ED 50 values for these compounds varied 100 000-fold and the most active PCDFs were substituted in the 2,3,7 and 8 lateral positions; the ED 50 for the most active PCDF, 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran was 1.5 × 10 −8 M which was only slightly less active than 2,3,7,8-TCDD (1.0 × 10 −8 M). A comparison of the binding affinities of several isomer pairs also indicated the relative importance of chlorine substitution at C-4 (or C-6) compared to C-1 (or C-9). Moreover, for some isomers it is apparent that C-4 (or C-6) substituents are more active than lateral substituents for facilitating ligand binding to the receptor protein. This is illustrated by the relative binding potencies of the following isomer pairs. 1,2,4,5,7-/1,2,4,7,8 = 19.2; 2,6,7-/2,3,8- = 2.2; 1,3,6-/1,3,8- = 19. Most of the PCDF structure-activity effects noted above were also observed for the induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) in rat hepatoma H-4-II-E cells in culture. The most active compounds were also substituted in the lateral 2,3,7 and 8 positions and a comparison of C-4 (or C-6) vs. C-1 (or C-9) substituted PCDFFs confirmed the higher induction potencies for most of the former group of compounds. The in vitro quantitative structure-activity data were complemented by in vivo studies which determined the relative activities of selected PCDFs as inducers of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-448 dependent monooxygenases and their effects on body weight gain and thymus weights in immature male Wistar rats. The results indicated that for 2 series of isomers, namely the 2,3,4,7,8-, 1,2,4,7,8- and 1,2,4,7,9,-pentachlorodibenzofurans and the 2,3,7,8-, 2,3,4,8- and 1,2,4,8,-tetrachlorodibenzofurans, their biologic and toxic potencies were dependent on one major structural factor, the number of lateral chloro substituents. These results support the proposed role of the cytosolic receptor protein in mediating the biologic and toxic effects of the PCDFs.

Induction of cytochrome P-450 mRNAs quantitated by in vitro translation and immunoprecipitation

Cytochrome P-450 mRNAs were quantitated by in vitro translation of liver RNA followed by immunoprecipitation with antibodies specific for cytochromes P-450. The kinetics of cytochrome P-450 mRNA induction by 3-methylcholanthrene and by phenobarbital were examined, and differences in the types of cytochrome P-450 mRNAs induced by 3-methylcholanthrene (MC), β-napthoflavone (BNF), and phenobarbital (PB) in male and female rats were determined. Phenobarbital strongly induced the mRNA encoding a single peptide antigenically related to the phenobarbital-induced cytochrome P-450 PB-B. Male rat liver contained 62% more translatable mRNA for this peptide than did female. 3-Methylcholanthrene and β-napthoflavone, but not phenobarbital, induced mRNAs encoding three peptides that were immunologically related to cytochrome P-450 BNF MC-B , which is induced by 3-methylcholanthrene. The levels of translatable mRNA coding for these peptides were twice as high in females as in males. Striking sex differences were observed in the levels of translatable mRNAs for peptides related to cytochrome P-450 PB PCN-E , which is induced by phenobarbital and by pregnenolone-16-α-carbonitrile. In females, only RNA preparations from the livers of phenobarbital-treated rats had significant levels of mRNAs encoding these peptides. In contrast, significant levels of these RNAs were observed even in untreated males, and the levels of these mRNAs increased markedly following phenobarbital treatment. All cytochrome P-450 inducers examined caused a 50 to 70% decrease in translatable albumin mRNA. This effect was specific for albumin mRNA, since levels of total translatable mRNA were not generally altered by these inducers. The kinetics of induction of cytochrome P-450 mRNA differed from those of induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity. Translatable cytochrome P-450 mRNA was increased as early as 4 h after phenobarbital treatment, peaked between 24 and 36 h, and dropped back to control levels by 120 h. The induction of AHH lagged behind the increase in translatable mRNA, remaining at control levels well after levels of translatable mRNA began to increase but then decreasing roughly in parallel with translatable mRNA. These findings suggest that transcription was not rate limiting for regulation of PB-inducible cytochrome P-450 activity. 3-Methylcholanthrene caused parallel increases in AHH activity and translatable cytochrome P-450 mRNA, but when translatable mRNA began to decrease after about 24 h, AHH activity remained high, suggesting that this P-450 mRNA was less stable than the enzyme for which it coded.