Comparative metabolism and DNA binding of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and its weakly carcinogenic 5-fluoro analog

Cultured Syrian hamster embryo cells readily convert both the carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), and its weakly carcinogenic analogue, 5-fluoro-7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (5F-DMBA), to water soluble metabolites. DMBA, however, binds to the hamster cell DNA at least 2.8-3.0 times more extensively than 5F-DMBA. Likewise, 5F-DMBA is converted to water soluble metabolites by liver microsomal preparations at a rate equal to DMBA, but the latter compound binds to DNA 2.6-3.2 times more effectively.