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Benzo(a)pyrene uptake by human plasma lipoproteins in vitro

Journal Article · · Cancer Res.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5408737

Benzo(a)pyrene distribution between plasma and red blood cells was estimated following sedimentation of red blood cells. Benzo(a)pyrene distribution in the major lipoprotein fractions was determined following ultracentrifugal fractionation of plasma. Greater than 70% of benzo(a)pyrene in whole blood partitioned into plasma. Of the benzo (a) pyrene in plasma, less than 5% partitioned into the bulk of the plasma proteins (d > 1.21 g/ml), while more than 95% partitioned into the plasma lipoproteins (d < 1.21 g/ml). The distribution of benzo(a)pyrene in normolipoproteinemic plasma was 29% in very-low-density (d < 1.006 g/ml), 57% in low-density (d 1.006 to 1.063 g/ml), and 10% in high-density (d 1.063 to 1.21 g/ml) lipoproteins. The percentage of benzo(a)pyrene distribution among lipoprotein fractions was independent of the level of benzo(a)pyrene taken up by plasma. It was also independent of whether the incubation studies were conducted with total plasma subsequently fractionated into lipoprotein fractions or with isolated lipoprotein fractions themselves, which yielded a calculated percentage of distribution. These findings are discussed with respect to (a) the use of the uptake data to estimate percentage of benzo(a)pyrene distribution for other plasmas, (b) factors which may govern benzo(a)pyrene distribution in plasma of intact animals, (c) the possible relationship in the intact animal between lipoprotein and benzo(a)pyrene turnover, and (d) the possible role of lipoproteins in cellular uptake of benzo(a)pyrene.

Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Berkeley
OSTI ID:
5408737
Journal Information:
Cancer Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Cancer Res.; (United States) Vol. 39; ISSN CNREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English