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Metabolism of Benzo(a)pyrene in Monolayer Cultures of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells from a Series of Donors¹

Environmental Health Research and Testing, Inc. [J. M. S., K. R., B. J. B., S. E.], and Carcinogenesis and Metabolism Branch, United States Environmental Protection Agency [M. J. M., S. N.], Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711

Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] metabolism was measured in monolayer cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells derived from 18 specimens of explanted tissue. Bronchial epithelial cells converted B(a)P to dihydrodiols, phenols, quinone derivatives, and polyhydroxylated forms. Sulfate and glucuronide conjugates of B(a)P metabolites were also detected. Both total metabolism and distribution of metabolites showed a 10-fold or greater variation in cultures from different specimens. When the data were divided according to smoking status, however, no differences in total metabolism, extent of conjugation, or distribution of metabolites could be demonstrated between the two groups. Wide variation (over 1000-fold) in the cytotoxicity of B(a)P towards cells derived from different specimens was demonstrated but could not be directly correlated to the extent of metabolic activation. The results suggest that human bronchial epithelial cells which are newly grown from explanted tissue of smokers in culture do not demonstrate enzymatic induction. Variation among individuals observed in these studies probably represents basal differences in metabolic capability.

¹ This work was supported in part by contract 68-02-4031 from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. This report has been reviewed by the Health Effects Research Laboratory, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents reflect the views and policies of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed.

Received 1/ 8/86. Revised 5/22/86. Accepted 5/29/86.