Determination of phenolic benzo(a)pyrene metabolites formed by human hair follicles

✍ Scribed by Math W.A.C. Hukkelhoven; Lisette W.M. Vromans; Alphons J.M. Vermorken; Cees B. van Diepen; Hans Bloemendal

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1982
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 448 KB
• Volume: 125
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0003-2697
• DOI: 10.1016/0003-2697(82)90018-5

✦ Synopsis

A modified fluorometric procedure for the determination of basal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in human hair follicles is described. The method is also applicable for measurement of induction of the enzyme in primary cultures of keratinocytes originating from hair follicles. For good sensitivity of the assay the use of small incubation and extraction volumes, ultrapure chemicals, and adaptations in the measurement of the fluorescent signal are required. Moreover a sensitive micromethod for measuring DNA as a reference variable has to be employed. The sensitivity of the assay permits the measurement of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase in 20 hair follicles or in the outgrowth of 6 cultured hair follicles with good reproducibility. The method gives the opportunity to identify individuals with genetically controlled differences in the metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, using an easily obtainable biopsy tissue of epithelial origin.