Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Particulates, and Defense Mechanisms (VKC-BAB-145)

摘要

The interaction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, represented by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), and particulates in carcinogenesis was investigated. The systemic administration of BaP has been shown to significantly depress the whole animal interferon response to viral stimulation, suggesting this may be an early expression of immunotoxicity. BaP requires bioactivation to inhibit interferon induction. The research activities and significant findings and accomplishments germane to BaP interaction with the interferon system were reviewed. It was noted that BaP metabolites can be discriminated by their adverse effect on interferon induction which correlated with mutagenic activity. The adverse effect of BaP on interferon induction was intensified when BaP was absorbed onto asbestos, coal dust, and metal particles but not when interacted with silicates. The authors conclude that the inhibition of virus induction of interferon may be gainfully used to detect and assess quantitatively the interactions of occupational disease-related particles as well as mutacarcinogenic chemicals with other biologic systems and cellular elements.