Induction of benzo[α]pyrene hydroxylase in human skin

W. Levin, A. H. Conney, A. P. Alvares, I. Merkatz, A. Kappas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

85 Scopus citations

Abstract

Foreskins from children who were circumcised 2 to 4 days after birth contain an enzyme system that hydroxylates the carcinogen benzo[α]pyrene. When foreskin was cultured for 16 hours in the presence of 10 micromolar benz[α]anthracene, a two- to fivefold increase in activity of benzo[α]pyrene hydroxylase was obtained. An evaluation of the basal activity and inducibility of carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes in human tissues may provide a means of determining the ability of different individuals to metabolize carcinogens.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)419-420
Number of pages2
JournalScience
Volume176
Issue number4030
DOIs
StatePublished - 1972
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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