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Interaction between benzo[a]pyrene and mouse skin in organ culture
Abstract:
An in vitro method for studying the interaction between tritiated benzo[a]pyrene ([3H]BP) and intact mouse skin was investigated. [3H]BP was applied to the epidermal surface of the skin floating on medium, and radioactivity in the medium was measured periodically. After 48-h incubation, about 45% of the radioactivity was in the medium; of this amount, about 80% accumulated during the first 24 h. Incubation temperature, metabolic inhibitors, and the amount of BP applied caused pronounced effects on accumulation; slight to moderate effects were noted for the type and volume of medium and vehicle used. Results of the temperature and inhibitor experiments indicated that accumulation of radioactivity depended on cell viability. About 80% of the radioactivity in the medium was water soluble, showing that biotransformation of BP by skin cells occurred. We are using the skin organ culture method to help understand the interaction of mammalian skin with hydrocarbon mixtures. A study of these interactions may lead to metabolic, cytotoxic, and macromolecular-binding profiles that characterize a carcinogenic mixture of hydrocarbons.
Insights
This study developed an in vitro mouse skin model to investigate benzo[a]pyrene interactions. The method revealed significant benzo[a]pyrene biotransformation and accumulation dependent on skin cell viability.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like benzo[a]pyrene (BP) are environmental contaminants.
- Understanding skin interaction with PAHs is crucial for assessing health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate an in vitro method using mouse skin organ culture.
- To investigate the interaction and biotransformation of tritiated benzo[a]pyrene ([3H]BP) in mouse skin.
Main Methods:
- Intact mouse skin was cultured in vitro with [3H]BP applied to the epidermal surface.
- Radioactivity in the culture medium was measured over 48 hours.
- Effects of temperature, metabolic inhibitors, medium, and vehicle were assessed.
Main Results:
- Approximately 45% of [3H]BP radioactivity accumulated in the medium within 48 hours, with most occurring in the first 24 hours.
- Accumulation was significantly influenced by incubation temperature and metabolic inhibitors, indicating dependence on cell viability.
- About 80% of the accumulated radioactivity was water-soluble, suggesting BP biotransformation by skin cells.
Conclusions:
- The in vitro mouse skin organ culture method is effective for studying PAH-skin interactions.
- This model facilitates understanding of BP biotransformation and accumulation in mammalian skin.
- The method can characterize hydrocarbon mixtures for metabolic, cytotoxic, and macromolecular-binding profiles, aiding carcinogenicity assessment.