Relative induction of a biomarker, P450 RGS, by PAHs and chlorinated hydrocarbons
- MEC Analytical Systems, Carlsbad, CA (United States)
A reporter gene system (RGS) assay has been engineered from a human liver cancer cell fine so that the induction of CPA gene will result in the production of luciferase (firefly plasmid) instead of cytochrome P450. Induction of this test system by compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and chlorinated hydrocarbons infers these xenobiotics are present at levels that are potentially toxic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic to organisms. Six well plates with 1.0 {times} 10{sup 6} adhered cells in 2 mLs of media are inoculated with varying volumes of organic solvents containing a reference toxicant (TCDD) and sample extracts. Solvent extracts (EPA 3540) of aquatic sediments, soils, and mussel tissue have been applied directly to this system. Test results show a significant RGS induction from concentrations of PAHs, that if present in a 40 gram sediment sample, would be (in ng/g or ppb): 20 for dibenz(a,h)anthracene; 70 for benz(a)anthracene; 100 for benzo(a)pyrene; and 250 for chrysene. Testing with mixtures of PAHs and environmental samples has shown that levels of 300 to 400 ppb are detected. Results to be presented from P450 RGS testing will show that the estimated health risk (Toxic Equivalent Factors, TEFs) of some of the PAHs may be as great or greater than some of the coplanar PCB.
- OSTI ID:
- 398177
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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