Metabolic Activation of Nitropyrenes and Diesel Particulate Extracts

This report describes a study by Dr. Jeffrey and colleagues to investigate the potential genotoxicity of components of diesel engine emissions using a variety of biological systems. In the first set of in vitro experiments, radiolabeled nitropyrenes were administered to DNA isolated from human bronchial tissue, mouse embryo fibroblasts, and rabbit tracheal tissue, and elution times were compared by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Antisera antibodies were also prepared against DNA modified by 1-nitrosopyrene to test for the presence of DNA adducts. Finally, DNA isolated from animals exposed to high levels of diesel engine emissions for 30 months was analyzed for the presence of adducts using 32P-postlabeling techniques.