Immunocytochemical localization of benzo(a)pyrene-DNA adducts in human tissue

Specimens of human lung, uterine cervix, ovary, and placenta were studied for the presence of benzo(a)pyrene 7,8-diol 9,10 epoxide (BPDE)-DNA adducts by using rabbit anti-BPDE-DNA antibody and light microscopic immunocytochemistry. BPDE-DNA antigenicity was detected in the bronchial epithelial cells, cervical epithelium, oocytes, luteal cells, corpora albicans, and hyalinized media of arteries within the ovaries and trophoblastic cells of the placental villi. In conjunction with immunoassay detection of BPDE-DNA adducts in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, this study demonstrates that a variety of human tissues can metabolize and bind the ubiquitous carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene. The identification and localization of this carcinogen-DNA antigenicity in various tissues and cells may not only help in monitoring exposed persons but also give insight to organ site carcinogenesis, transplacental carcinogenesis, and teratogenesis.