Microsomal N- and C-oxidations of carcinogenic aromatic amines and amides.

Date on N-oxidation (activation step) and C-oxidation (inactivation step) of various carcinogenic aromatic amines and amides by liver microsomes from several species are reviewed. Cytochrome P450 involvement in both N-and ring-hydroxylation of N-2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) is discussed. Data on reconstitution studies with rat and hamster liver microsomes indicated that all 3 components, cytochrome P450, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, and a lipid are required for N-and ring-hydroxylation of 2-FAA. Specificity in these oxidations is in the cytochrome P450 fraction.