Use of alkylated proteins in the monitoring of exposure to alkylating agents.

Measurement of reaction products of alkylating agents with proteins has been used as a monitor of in-vivo exposure to over 30 such compounds. Doses in animals exposed to directly-acting alkylating agents (e.g., methyl methanesulfonate, ethylene oxide) are directly related to the production of alkylated amino acids in haemoglobin. The erythrocyte dose of alkylating agent, calculated from the extent of haemoglobin alkylation, is in some cases related to liver and extra-hepatic DNA doses; thus, detection of alkylation of haemoglobin may be taken as an indication of a reaction at the carcinogenic target site.