Detection of O6-methylguanine in human DNA

Using very specific antibodies in sensitive radioimmunoassays for O6-methyldeoxyguanosine (O6-medGuo), we have been able to detect the presence of this modification in human DNA. Since O6-medGuo is not likely to be a normal component of DNA, its presence must be due to exposure to environmental alkylating agents. We have studied two groups of samples, one of which appears to have received exposure to an alkylating agent (so that most members of the group show a detectable level of O6-medGuo). Although some individuals in the other group showed detectable O6-medGuo (sometimes at levels exceeding those observed in the first group), the majority showed undetectable levels. This may indicate that they had much less exposure to environmental alkylating agents than the first group and that some individuals may have received additional exposures due to other factors such as life style or drugs that they may have been given.