Use of the hamster embryo cell transformation assay to detect metabolic activation of N-2-acetylaminofluorene by intact organ cells.

N-2-Acetylaminofluorene (AAF), a potent carcinogen in a variety of animal species and organs, was used to determine the metabolic capabilities of isolated organ cells in transformation as well as biochemical studies. Cells isolated from liver, lung, small intestine, kidney and bladder were compared with hamster embryo fibroblasts (target cells in the transformation studies) and rat mammary fibroblasts in all studies. In addition to studying AAF activation by the cells, we also determined the levels of whole-cell binding. Liver, kidney, small intestine and lung cells from hamsters, and liver, kidney and lung cells from rats showed high levels of AAF metabolism to 2-aminofluorene and N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene. The highest levels of covalent binding to intact cells were seen with the same cell types. These cells were also effective in activating AAF to a form which transformed hamster embryo cells. Cells isolated from a variety of organs can activate AAF as evidenced by the metabolites which are formed and by the levels of whole cell binding. Furthermore, hamster embryo cells are transformed when co-incubated with a variety of organ cells and AAF.