Micronucleus induction and chromosomal aberration of 1- and 3-nitroazabenzo[a]pyrene and their N-oxides.

Nitro-azabenzo[a]pyrenes, 1- or 3-nitro-azabenzo[a]pyrene and their N-oxides are nitrated derivatives of azabenzo[a] pyrene (ABP) containing nitrogen in the 6-position of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). The nitro-ABP-N-oxides (ABPOs) were formed by reaction of ABP with excess HNO(3). These derivatives were noteworthy as potent mutagens for Salmonella strains, and were present in fine particles of diesel particulates. In this study, micronucleus induction in mice and chromosomal aberrations due to means of Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (CHL) cells were investigated to determine genotoxicity in order to define the relationship with the mutagenic potency of these derivatives. The induction of micronucleus polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) was dependent on the dose response of 10-40 mg for 3-N-6-ABP, and of 10-40 mg for 1-N-6-ABP, and in addition, 1- and 3-N-6-ABPOs markedly induced MNPCEs in a dose range of 10-400 mg and from 1 to 80 mg, respectively, when the compound was intraperitoneally administrated in two mice at each dose. The results show that of the four compounds, 3-N-6-ABPO demonstrated a marked increase in MNPCES: On the other hand, chromosomal aberrations of the four compounds were investigated by the duplicate tests using CHLS: The results after a 48 h treatment induced aberrations of the chromatid type, chromatid breaks and exchanges for 1- and 3-N-6-ABP, and mainly chromatid exchanges for 1- and 3-N-6-ABPO. The frequency of chromosomal aberrations associated with nitro substitution on the ABPO structure. Chromosomal aberrations of nitro derivatives of ABPO substituted at the 3-position on the structure were more potent than those at the 1-postion. N-oxide derivatives have been found to be reduced to anion radicals much more easily than azaB[a]P and its nitro derivatives. This suggests that the electrochemical reduction of the chemicals plays an important role in the metabolic activation of nitrated B[a]P derivatives.