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 language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 419-420 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Science |
| Volume | 176 |
| Issue number | 4030 |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 1 1972 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Fingerprint
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General
Cite this
Levin, W., Conney, A. H., Alvares, A. P., Merkatz, I., & Kappas, A. (1972). Induction of benzo[α]pyrene hydroxylase in human skin. Science, 176(4030), 419-420.