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Microbial transformation of 6-nitrobenzo(a)pyrene. [Cunninghamella elegans]

Journal Article · · J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States)

The fungal metabolism of the potent mutagenic and carcinogenic nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (nitro-PAH) 6-nitrobenzo(a)pyrene (6-NO/sub 2/-BaP) was investigated. Cunninghamella elegans was incubated with 6-NO/sub 2/-BaP for periods ranging between 1 and 7 d, and the metabolites formed were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by their UV-visible absorption, mass, and /sup 1/H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The results of the study indicate that C. elegans metabolized 6-NO/sub 2/-BaP to glucoside and sulfate conjugates of 1- and 3-hydroxy 6-NO/sub 2/-BaP and suggests that glycosylation and sulfation reactions may represent detoxification pathways in the fungal metabolism of nitro-PAHs. Experiments using (G-/sup 3/H)-6-NO/sub 2/-BaP indicated that C. elegans metabolized 62% of 6-NO/sub 2/-BaP with 168 h. The data also indicated that the nitro group at the C-6 position of benzo(a)pyrene blocked metabolism at the regions peri to the nitro substituent (C-7, C-8 positions) and enhanced metabolism at the C-1 and C-3 positions. The ability of the fungus C. elegans to metabolize 6-NO/sub 2/-BaP to biologically inactive compounds may have practical applications in the detoxification of nitro-PAH-contaminated wastes.

Research Organization:
National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR
OSTI ID:
7065460
Journal Information:
J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 19:4; ISSN JTEHD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English