Benzene-derived free radical--a possible mediator of its carcinogenicity. I. Ultrastructural and functional studies on the effect of benzene on human white blood cells and its possible prevention.

The assumption that benzene exerts its leukemogenic action on cell components after being converted to a transient and relatively stable free radical is supported by the in vitro effect of benzene on the ultrastructure of human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells, lymphocytes and monocytes. The effect was examined with a transmission and scanning electron microscope and was found to affect both the internal and external architecture of PMN cells and monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. No effect was observed on lymphocytes. Benzene did not affect the phagocytic activity of PMN cells or monocytes. Preincubation with 2-aminoethylthiosulfuric acid, a free radical scavenger, prevented the observed effects of benzene.