Abstract  Sixteen halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons were assayed for genotoxicity using the Ara mutagenicity assay with Salmonella typhimurium. Seven substances (1,2-dibromo-3-chloro-propane, 1,2-dibromoethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, vinyl bromide, hexachloro-1, 3-butadiene, iodoform and vinilydene chloride) were mutagenic at non-lethal doses. Comparatively, nine compounds (chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, tetrachloro-ethylene, trichloroethylene, 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrahloroethane and hexachloroethane) were non-mutagenic after being assayed both in the presence and absence of metabolic activation with a rat liver microsomal fraction (S9). All negative compounds (except hexachloro-ethane) gave a lethal response, which could be an indication that bacteria were adequately exposed. The concordance between mutagenicity in the Ara test and carcinogenicity in rodents for this group of halogenated hydrocarbons was (31%) significantly lower than the concordance (72%) previously found in the Ara test with respect to a wider range of chemical classes. This result is in agreement with data reported for other genotoxicity assays. The presence of non-genotoxic carcinogens versus genotoxic non-carcinogens is discussed as a possible explanation. Five positive compounds (1, 2-di-bromo-3-chloropropane, 1, 2-dibromoethane, 1, 2-dichloro-ethane, vinyl bromide and hexachloro-1, 3-butadiene) were analyzed for a quantitative relationship between carcinogenic potency in rats and the potency of response in the Ara mutagenicity test. This was possible because the Ara test, for volatile compounds (such as vinyl bromide), did not require the use of special vaporization techniques, which are difficult to evaluate quantitatively for mutagenic activity. A highly significant correlation was found between the mutagenic efficiencies of the five compounds in the Ara test and their carcinogenic potencies in rats. These results suggest that the Ara test might be capable of reflecting the relative potency of genotoxic animal carcinogens beyond the group of direct acting monofunctional alkylating compounds previously studied by our group.

Abstract  A spectrophotometric assay of the reductive dechlorination of halocarbons was developed and used to determine the kinetic characteristics of dechlorination of a range of haloethanes catalysed by microsomes from rat and rabbit liver. Analysis of the typical reaction of hexachloroethane shows that the reaction is catalysed by cytochrome P-450 and results in the formation of olefinic products as well as less chlorinated alkanes: in other respects the reaction resembles that known to occur with carbon tetrachloride. The dechlorination of haloethanes catalysed by a vesicular reconstituted system of cytochrome P-450 enzymes from rabbit liver was also studied and found to be similar to that catalysed by microsomes: both reductase and a phenobarbital inducible form of cytochrome P-450 were essential. There is no substantial dependence of maximum dechlorination rate on compound structure, suggesting that the reduction of substrate is not the rate limiting step in the overall reaction. The main factor in determining the apparent binding constant to the enzyme is the partition coefficient into the lipid membrane, as assessed by calculated log P values.

Abstract  To study the load of selected organochlorine compounds in the blood of aluminium foundry workers who use hexachloroethane as a degassing agent for aluminium and to measure some possible effects on internal organs.

Plasma from nine male aluminium foundry workers with past experience of use of hexachloroethane and 18 controls (two controls per exposed case) matched for residence, sex, age, and socioeconomic status was analysed for hexachlorobenzene (HCB), (P-HCB), and octachlorostyrene (P-OCS) with low resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serum samples from the same subjects were analysed for standard kidney, pancreas, and liver function variables. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the triplets retained, a non-parametric test, and linear regression were used for the analysis.

A fourfold increase of mean P-HCB was found among the exposed subjects compared with the controls (313.1 v 66.9 ng/g lipid; P < 0.01; (ANOVA model)). For P-OCS this difference was even larger (54.6 v 0.7 ng/g lipid; P < 0.01). Results were still significant (P < 0.05) with non-parametric testing. Within the exposed group there was a good correlation between the ln P-HCB (r = 0.80) and ln P-OCS (r = 0.91), respectively, with the cumulative number of years of exposure to hexachloroethane. No significant difference in kidney, pancreas, or liver function was found between the two groups.

Aluminium degassing with hexachloroethane may increase the body burden of selected organochlorine compounds as reflected by HCB and OCS measurements. With the inherent limitations of this investigation no signs of subclinical organ toxicity were found.

Abstract  As the smallest free-living bacteria and a frequent cause of respiratory infections, mycoplasmas are unique pathogens. Mice infected with Mycoplasma pulmonis can develop localized, life-long airway infection accompanied by persistent inflammation and remodeling.

Because mast cells protect mice from acute septic peritonitis and gram-negative pneumonia, we hypothesized that they defend against mycoplasma infection. This study tests this hypothesis using mast cell-deficient mice.

Responses to airway infection with M. pulmonis were compared in wild-type and mast cell-deficient Kit(W-sh)/Kit(W-sh) mice and sham-infected control mice.

Endpoints include mortality, body and lymph node weight, mycoplasma antibody titer, and lung mycoplasma burden and histopathology at intervals after infection. The results reveal that infected Kit(W-sh)/Kit(W-sh) mice, compared with other groups, lose more weight and are more likely to die. Live mycoplasma burden is greater in Kit(W-sh)/Kit(W-sh) than in wild-type mice at early time points. Four days after infection, the difference is 162-fold. Titers of mycoplasma-specific IgM and IgA appear earlier and rise higher in Kit(W-sh)/Kit(W-sh) mice, but antibody responses to heat-killed mycoplasma are not different compared with wild-type mice. Infected Kit(W-sh)/Kit(W-sh) mice develop larger bronchial lymph nodes and progressive pneumonia and airway occlusion with neutrophil-rich exudates, accompanied by angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. In wild-type mice, pneumonia and exudates are less severe, quicker to resolve, and are not associated with increased angiogenesis.

These findings suggest that mast cells are important for innate immune containment of and recovery from respiratory mycoplasma infection.

Abstract  This review paper examines the relationship between chemicals inducing excessive accumulation of alpha 2u-globulin (alpha 2u-g) (CIGA) in hyaline droplets in male rat kidneys and the subsequent development of nephrotoxicity and renal tubule neoplasia in the male rat. This dose-responsive hyaline droplet accumulation distinguishes CIGA carcinogens from classical renal carcinogens. CIGA carcinogens also do not appear to react with DNA and are generally negative in short-term tests for genotoxicity, CIGA or their metabolites bind specifically, but reversibly, to male rat alpha 2u-g. The resulting complex appears to be more resistant to hydrolytic degradation in the proximal tubule than native, unbound alpha 2u-g. Single cell necrosis of the tubule epithelium, with associated granular cast formation and papillary mineralization, is followed by sustained regenerative tubule cell proliferation, foci of tubule hyperplasia in the convoluted proximal tubules, and renal tubule tumors. Although structurally similar proteins have been detected in other species, including humans, renal lesions characteristic of alpha 2u-g nephropathy have not been observed. Epidemiologic investigation has not specifically examined the CIGA hypothesis for humans. Based on cancer bioassays, hormone manipulation studies, investigations in an alpha 2u-g-deficient strain of rat, and other laboratory data, an increased proliferative response caused by chemically induced cytotoxicity appears to play a role in the development of renal tubule tumors in male rats. Thus, it is reasonable to suggest that the renal effects induced in male rats by chemicals causing alpha 2u-g accumulation are unlikely to occur in humans.

Abstract  Polyhalogenated ethanes are metabolized by reductive dehalogenation under anaerobic and also hypoxic conditions in vitro in the presence of NADPH and hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450. The cytochrome P450 dependence was shown by induction and inhibition experiments using microsomal fractions from livers of rats receiving various pretreatments. The main products of the in vitro metabolism of hexa- and pentachloroethane were tetra- and trichloroethene, respectively. Minor products were penta- (0.5%) and 1.1.2.2.-tetrachloroethane (4%). The stoichiometry of NADPH-oxidation and product formation was 1:1. From these results and earlier investigations on polyhalogenated methanes, a reaction scheme is proposed. The reductive dehalogenation probably proceeds by two sequential one electron reductions forming first a radical and then a carbanion. The carbanion may undergo protonation, alpha-, or beta-elimination forming a monodehalogenated haloalkane, an olefin or a carbene, respectively.

Abstract  Mice with the scid mutation are highly susceptible to Mycoplasma pulmonis infection and develop a disseminated disease. In order to study the contribution of humoral immunity to the immune response, M. pulmonis was inoculated intranasally to X-linked immunodeficient (xid) mice. Severe combined immunodeficient (scid) and immunocompetent CBA mice were used as controls. The mice were killed and necropsied at day 30 or 37 post-infection. Samples from the nose, lungs and joints were taken for bacteriological and histological examination. Rhinitis was observed in all mouse strains. Chronic purulent bronchopneumonia was diagnosed in some of the CBA mice. Xid mice did not show severe lung lesions, despite the presence of numerous mycoplasma organisms in the lungs, in contrast to immunocompetent mice, which developed lung pathology. Scid mice showed less signs of pneumonia, but unlike in xid and CBA mice, there was spread of mycoplasmas from the respiratory tract and severe pathological changes in the joints. Our results indicate that B and/or T lymphocytes protect against dissemination of M. pulmonis from the airways. Innate immune reactions and/or bacterial virulence factors seem to contribute to the development of joint lesions, whereas IgG3 and IgM antibodies might be involved in lung pathology.

Abstract  A small group (n = 12) of military white smoke munition workers provided blood plasma during a production break (S I) and after five weeks' production (S II) of a hexachloroethane (HCE)/titanium dioxide formula. Plasma was also obtained from a sex and age matched control group (n = 12) and a group (n = 13) of previously HCE-exposed workers, respectively. HCE in plasma (P-HCE) was determined with gas chromatography and electron capture detection. No HCE was found in the plasma samples from the two control groups. In the HCE exposed group the mean (+/- SD) P-HCE level increased almost two orders of magnitude from S I (0.08 +/- 0.14 microgram/l) to S II (7.30 +/- 6.04 micrograms/l) despite efforts to minimize the internal dose. Biological monitoring of HCE could be useful in occupational hygiene.

Abstract  The relative toxicity of hexachloroethane was assessed by a review of available data and by experimental studies in animals. Hexachloroethane was found to be moderately toxic orally, produced reversible eye irritation and little or no skin irritation. Hexachloroethane should not pose an acute inhalation hazard except when high vapor concentrations are evolved following contact with hot surfaces. Possible hazards from subchronic and chronic exposures to hexachloroethane were not addressed in this assessment. Development of a firm expression of the overall toxicity of hexachloroethane will depend on the results of studies aimed at subchronic and chronic toxicity in multiple species.

Abstract  The Drinking Water Health Advisory, Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has issued its report on the chemical, hexachloroethane. Hexachloroethane is a chlorinated alkane which has been used in high pressure lubricants, rubber and insecticidal formulations, moth repellants, fire extinguishing fluids, fermentation retardants, chemical precursors, and rodenticides. The report covers the following areas: the occurrence of the chemical in the environment; its environmental fate; the chemical's absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the human body; and its health effects on humans and animals, including its mutagenicity and carcinogenicity characteristics. Also included is the quantification of its toxicological effects.

Abstract  The National Cancer Institute and National Toxicology Program have performed 2-year toxicology and carcinogenesis studies with a number of ethanes substituted with chlorine or bromine. A review of the results of studies with these halogenated ethanes has revealed several consistencies between the pattern of halogen substitution and neoplastic responses in some affected organs. One of these consistencies was the finding of a modest increase in the incidence of renal tubule cell neoplasms in male rats administered penta- or hexachloroethane. Certain aspects of the nephropathy also noted in these studies resembled what is now recognized as a distinct hyaline droplet nephropathy typically associated with the accumulation of α2u-globulin in renal tubule cells. In an attempt to determine some of the structure activity relationships involved in the induction of hyaline droplet nephropathy by halogenated ethanes, a series of commercially available ethanes substituted with three or more chlorines, four or more bromines, or a combination of chlorines and fluorines was studied in a short-term renal toxicity assessment in male F344/N rats. All chemicals were administered by gavage in corn oil to groups of five male rats once daily for 21 days. The doses selected for study, 0.62 and 1.24 mmol/kg per day, were based on those used in the 2-year pentachloroethane studies. The following chemicals were evaluated: 1,1,1,2- and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane; pentachloroethane; 1,1,2,2-tetrachloro1,2-difluoroethane; 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane; 1,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethane; 1,1,1-trichloroethane; hexachloroethane; 1,1,1,2-and 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane; and pentabromoethane. Evaluations included survival, mean body weight gains, clinical signs, organ weights, urinalysis, and histopathologic examination of the right kidney and liver. The kidneys of rats that showed a difference in renal protein droplet accumulation compared to the controls were evaluated for replicative DNA synthesis by staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. For most groups, survival was not affected by chemical treatment; however, all rats administered either dose of 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane died by Day 11, and all rats administered 1.24 mmol/kg pentabromoethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrabromoethane, or 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane died before the end of the study. Rats receiving 0.62 mmol/kg pentabromoethane gained less weight than the controls, and rats in the 0.62 mmol/kg 1,1,1,2-tetrabromoethane group lost weight during the study. Increased kidney weights and signs of renal toxicity, indicated by urinalysis results, were noted in rats in many of the groups administered halogenated ethanes, but these observations were not always coincident with a diagnosis of hyaline droplet nephropathy. Hyaline droplet nephropathy was observed only in rats receiving penta-, hexa-, or 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane. The renal tubule cell labeling index was increased, indicating replicative DNA synthesis, in male rats receiving chemicals that induced hyaline droplet nephropathy as well as in males receiving pentabromoethane or 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and in female negative control rats administered pentachloroethane; thus some of the halogenated ethanes appeared to cause significant renal toxicity not associated with hyaline droplet nephropathy. In summary, of the halogenated ethanes studied, the capacity to induce hyaline droplet nephropathy in male rats was restricted to ethanes containing four or more halogens, and only the chlorinated ethanes were active. If the ability to induce hyaline droplet nephropathy is the determining factor in the induction of renal tubule cell neoplasms by halogenated ethanes, then an absence of kidney neoplasms in male rats would be predicted in the event that 2-year studies were performed with the bromo- or chlorofluoroethanes.

Abstract  Hexachloroethane is used in organic synthesis as a retarding agent in fermentation, as a camphor substitute in nitrocellulose, in pyrotechnics and smoke devices, in explosives, and as a solvent. In previous long-term gavage studies with B6C3F1 mice and Osbourne-Mendel rats (78 weeks of exposure followed by 12-34 weeks of observation), hexachloroethane caused increased incidences of hepatocellular carcinomas in mice. However, survival of low and high dose rats was reduced compared with that of vehicle controls, and the effects on rats were inconclusive. Therefore, additional toxicology and carcinogenesis studies were conducted in F344/N rats by administering hexachloroethane (approximately 99% pure) in corn oil by gavage to groups of males and females for 16 days, 13 weeks, or 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium and in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Urinalysis was performed in conjunction with the 13-week studies. Sixteen-Day Studies: In the 16-day studies (dose range, 187-3,000 mg/kg), all rats that received 1,500 or 3,000 mg/kg and 1/5 males and 2/5 females that received 750 mg/kg died before the end of the studies. Final mean body weights of rats that received 750 mg/kg were 25% lower than that of vehicle controls for males and 37% lower for females. Compound-related clinical signs seen at 750 mg/kg or more included dyspnea, ataxia, prostration, and excessive lacrimation. Other compound-related effects included hyaline droplet formation in the tubular epithelial cells in all dosed males and tubular cell regeneration and granular casts in the tubules at the corticomedullary junction in the kidney in males receiving 187 and 375 mg/kg. Thirteen-Week Studies: In the 13-week studies (dose range, 47-750 mg/kg), 5/10 male rats and 2/10 female rats that received 750 mg/kg died before the end of the studies. The final mean body weight of male rats that received 750 mg/kg was 19% lower than that of vehicle controls. Compound-related clinical signs for both sexes included hyperactivity at doses of 94 mg/kg or higher and convulsions at doses of 375 or 750 mg/kg. The relative weights of liver, heart, and kidney were increased for exposed males and females. Kidney lesions were seen in all dosed male groups, and the severity increased with dose. Papillary necrosis and tubular cell necrosis and degeneration in the kidney and hemorrhagic necrosis in the urinary bladder were observed in the five male rats that received 750 mg/kg and died before the end of the studies; at all lower doses, hyaline droplets, tubular regeneration, and granular casts were present in the kidney. No chemical-related kidney lesions were observed in females. Foci of hepatocellular necrosis were observed in several male and female rats at doses of 188 mg/kg or higher. Dose selection for the 2-year studies was based primarily on the lesions of the kidney in males and of the liver in females. Studies were conducted by administering hexachloroethane in corn oil by gavage at 0, 10, or 20 mg/kg body weight, 5 days per week, to groups of 50 male rats. Groups of 50 female rats were administered 0, 80, or 160 mg/kg on the same schedule. Body Weight and Survival in the Two-Year Studies: Mean body weights of high dose rats were slightly (5%-9%) lower than those of vehicle controls toward the end of the studies. No significant differences in survival were observed between any groups of rats (male: vehicle control, 31/50; 10 mg/kg, 29/50; 20 mg/kg, 26/50; female: vehicle control, 32/50; 80 mg/kg, 27/50; 160 mg/kg, 32/50). Nonneoplastic and Neoplastic Effects in the Two-Year Studies: Incidences of kidney mineralization (vehicle control, 2/50; low dose, 15/50; high dose, 32/50) and hyperplasia of the pelvic transitional epithelium (0/50; 7/50; 7/50) were increased in dosed male rats. Renal tubule hyperplasia was observed at an increased incidence in high dose male rats (2/50; 4/50; 11/50). These lesions have been described as characteristic of the hyaline droplet nephropathy that is associated with an accumulation of liver-generateted with an accumulation of liver-generated a2μ-globulin in the cytoplasm of tubular epithelial cells. The severity of nephropathy was increased in high dose male rats (moderate vs. mild), and the incidences and severity of nephropathy were increased in dosed females (22/50; 42/50; 45/50). The incidences of adenomas (1/50; 2/50; 4/50), carcinomas (0/50; 0/50; 3/50), and adenomas or carcinomas (combined) (1/50; 2/50; 7/50) of the renal tubule were also increased in the high dose male group. One of the carcinomas in the high dose group metastasized to the lung. No compound-related neoplasms were observed in females. The incidence of pheochromocytomas of the adrenal gland in low dose male rats was significantly greater than that in vehicle controls (15/50; 28/50; 21/49), and the incidences for both dosed groups were greater than the mean historical control incidence (28% ± 11%). Genetic Toxicology: Hexachloroethane was not mutagenic in S. typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, or TA1537 when tested with and without exogenous metabolic activation. In CHO cells, hexachloroethane did not induce chromosomal aberrations with or with out metabolic activation but did produce sister chromatid exchanges in the presence of exogenous metabolic activation. Audit: The data, documents, and pathology materials from the 2-year studies of hexachloroethane have been audited. The audit findings show that the conduct of the studies is documented adequately and support the data and results given in this Technical Report. Conclusions: Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of hexachloroethane for male F344/N rats, based on the increased incidences of renal neoplasms. The marginally increased incidences of pheochromocytomas of the adrenal gland may have been related to hexachloroethane administration to male rats. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of hexachloroethane for female F344/N rats administered 80 or 160 mg/kg by gavage for 103 weeks. The severity of nephropathy and incidences of linear mineralization of the renal papillae and hyperplasia of the transitional epithelium of the renal pelvis were increased in dosed male rats. The incidences and severity of nephropathy were increased in dosed female rats. Synonyms: carbon hexachloride; ethane hexachloride; hexachlorethane; hexachloroethylene; 1,1,1,2,2,2-hexachloroethane; perchloroethane Trade Names: Avlothane; Distokal; Distopan; Distopin; Egitol; Falkitol; Fasciolin; Mottenhexe; Phenohep

Abstract  Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a widely used industrial solvent and was selected for carcinogenesis studies by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) because of its potential for widespread occupational exposure in humans and a lack of information on animal toxicity and carcinogenicity. Groups of 50 male and 50 female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were exposed to 0, 200, 600, or 1800 ppm THF by inhalation, 6 h per day, 5 days per week, for 105 weeks. Survival and mean body weights of male and female rats exposed to THF were comparable to that of the controls. No clinical findings or nonneoplastic lesions related to THF exposure were observed in male or female rats. The incidences of renal tubule epithelial adenoma or carcinoma (combined) in exposed male rats occurred with a positive trend, and in males exposed to 600 and 1800 ppm exceeded the historical range for controls in 2-year NTP inhalation studies. There were no other neoplastic lesions related to THF exposure observed in male or female rats. After week 36, the survival of male mice exposed to 1800 ppm was significantly lower than that of the controls. Mean body weights of male and female mice exposed to THF were similar to those of the controls throughout the study. Male mice exposed to 1800 ppm were observed in a state of narcosis during and up to 1 h after the exposure periods. Nonneoplastic lesions related to THF exposure were not observed in male or female mice. The neoplastic lesions related to THF exposure were seen in female mice only. In female mice exposed to 1800 ppm, the incidences of hepatocellular neoplasms were significantly greater than those in the controls. In conclusion, there was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of THF in male F344/N rats due to increased incidences of adenoma or carcinoma (combined) of the kidney at the 600 and 1800 ppm exposure levels. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in female B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of hepatocellular neoplasms at the 1800 ppm exposure level. THF was not carcinogenic in female rats or male mice exposed at 200, 600, or 1800 ppm.

Abstract  The report summarizes and evaluates information relevant to a preliminary interim assessment of adverse health effects associated with specific chemicals or compounds. The Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (Superfund) uses these documents in preparing cost-benefit analyses under Executive Order 12991 for decision-making under CERCLA. All estimates of acceptable intakes and carcinogenic potency presented in the document should be considered as preliminary and reflect limited resources allocated to the project. The intent in these assessments is to suggest acceptable exposure levels whenever sufficient data are available. The interim values presented reflect the relative degree of hazard associated with exposure or risk to the chemical(s) addressed. Whenever possible, two categories of values have been estimated for systemic toxicants (toxicants for which cancer is not the endpoint of concern). The first, RfDS or subchronic reference dose, is an estimate of an exposure level that would not be expected to cause adverse effects when exposure occurs during a limited time interval. The RfD is an estimate of an exposure level that would not be expected to cause adverse effects when exposure occurs for a significant portion of the lifespan. For compounds for which there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity, q1*s have been computed, if appropriate, based on oral and inhalation data if available.

Abstract  Pheochromocytomas in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome produce exclusively norepinephrine, whereas those in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) produce epinephrine. This study examined the pathways activated in VHL-associated pheochromocytomas by comparing gene expression profiles in VHL and MEN 2 tumors in relationship to profiles in sporadic norepinephrine- and epinephrine-producing tumors. Larger and more distinct differences in gene expression among hereditary than sporadic tumors indicated the importance of the underlying mutation to gene expression profiles. Many of the genes over-expressed in VHL compared with MEN 2 tumors were clearly linked to the hypoxia-driven angiogenic pathways that are activated in VHL-associated tumorigenesis. Such genes included those for the glucose transporter, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor, angiopoietin 2, tie-1, VEGF receptor 2 and its coreceptor, neuropilin-1. Other up-regulated genes, such as connective tissue growth factor, cysteine-rich 61, matrix metalloproteinase 1, vascular endothelial cadherin, tenascin C, stanniocalcin 1, and cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 are known to be involved in VEGF-regulated angiogenesis. Shared differences in expression of subsets of genes in norepinephrine- versus epinephrine-producing hereditary and sporadic pheochromocytomas indicated other differences in gene expression that may underlie the biochemical phenotype. Over-expression of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor, HIF-2alpha, in norepinephrine-predominant sporadic and VHL tumors compared with epinephrine-producing tumors indicates that expression of this gene depends on the noradrenergic biochemical phenotype. The findings fit with the known expression of HIF-2alpha in norepinephrine-producing cells of the sympathetic nervous system and might explain both the development and noradrenergic biochemical phenotype of pheochromocytomas in VHL syndrome.

Abstract  The covalent binding of chemical carcinogens to DNA of mammalian organs is expressed per unit dose, and a 'Covalent-Binding Index', CBI, is defined. CBI for various carcinogens span over 6 orders of magnitude. A similar range is observed for the carcinogenic potency in long-term bioassays on carcinogenicity. For the assessment of a risk from exposure to a carcinogen, the total DNA dmaage can be estimated if the actual dose is also accounted for. A detailed description is given for planning and performing a DNA-binding assay. A complete literature survey on DNA binding in vivo (83 compounds) is given with a calculation of CBI, where possible, 153 compounds are listed where a covalent binding to any biological macromolecule has been shown in vivo or in vitro. Recent, so far unpublished findings with aflatoxin M1, macromolecule-bound aflatoxin B1, diethylstilbestrol, and 1,2-epithiobutyronitrile are included. A comparison of CBI for rat-liver DNA with hepatocarcinogenic potency reveals a surprisingly good quantitative correlation. Refinements for a DNA-binding assay are proposed. Possibilites and limitations in the use of DNA binding in chemical carcinogenesis are discussed extensively.

Abstract  The relationship between particle size and absorption of lead particles from the gastrointestinal tract of the rat has been investigated. Preparations of metallic lead of particle size between 0 and 250 micron were incorporated in laboratory rat diets and absorption determined by measurement of tissue lead concentrations attined under standard conditions. An inverse relationship was found between particle size and lead absorption; this relationship was most marked in the 0 to 100 micron range. A five-fold enhancement of absorption was observed from the diet with lead particles of mean size 6 micron, compared with 197 micron particle size. Lead absorption from dried pain films containing lead chromate and lead octoate was measured using a similar technique. A marked enhancement of absorption was observed for both paints when particle size was reduced from 500 to 1,000 micron to less than 50 micron.

Abstract  The halogenated saturated hydrocarbons analogously to the previously considered halogenated unsaturated hydrocarbons (Part I) possess considerable utility in a broad spectrum of applications including; solvents, dry-cleaning fluids, refrigerants, fumigants, degreasing agents, propellants and intermediates in the production of other chemicals, textiles and plastics. Methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, hexachloroethane, ethyl chloride and fluorocarbons were reviewed principally in terms of their synthesis (or occurrence), areas of application, stability, distribution, reactivity, levels of exposure, populations at risk, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and metabolism.

Abstract  Using the micronucleus (MN) test and the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay, potential mutagenicity (MN formation), genotoxicity (DNA breakage capacity) and cytotoxicity (cell proliferation reduction) of five chlorinated hydrocarbons (carbon tetrachloride, hexachloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1-chlorohexane and 2,3-dichlorobutane) have been evaluated in isolated human lymphocytes. With the MN test a low but statistically significant mutagenic activity was detected for all tested substances (except 2,3-dichlorobutane) with one out of the two donors and in the presence or absence of an exogenous metabolic activation system (S9 mix). However, at the concentration ranges tested none of the positive compounds induced a clear dose-dependent mutagenic effect. The Comet assay detected a strong DNA damaging effect for 1-chlorohexane, 2,3-dichlorobutane and 1,2-dichloroethane, but not for carbon tetrachloride and hexachloroethane. The influence of metabolism on the genotoxic activity of the chemicals was more clear in the Comet assay than in the MN test. The experimental genotoxicity and cytotoxicity data obtained in this study, together with data on five more related chemicals previously investigated, and their physico-chemical descriptors or electronic parameters have been used for QSAR analysis. The QSAR analysis high-lighted that the toxicity of the tested compounds was influenced by different parameters, like lipophilicity (logP), electron donor ability (charge) and longest carbon-chlorine (LBC-Cl) bond length. In addition, steric parameters, like molar refractivity (MR) and LBC-Cl, and electronic parameters, like ELUMO (energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, indicating electrophilicity), were predominant factors discriminating genotoxins from non-genotoxins in the presence but not in the absence of S9 mix. Although a limited number of compounds have been examined and cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were identified in two different bioassay tests, the data set was obtained by the same experimentor, strengthening the reliability of the QSAR.

Abstract  Nine chlorinated aliphatics (CAs) were examined in a rat liver foci assay for tumor initiating and promoting activities. In this model, young adult male Osborne Mendel rats were first subjected to a partial hepatectomy, the test chemical was then administered at the maximum tolerated dose in the initiation or promotion phase in conjunction with diethylnitrosamine (DEN; 30 mg/kg b.w.) or phenobarbital (PB; 0.05 percent, w/w, in the diet), and gamma glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) was used as a putative preneoplastic indicator. When administered in the promotion protocol after initiation with DEN, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane (1,1,2-TCE), 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (1,1,2,2-TTCE), tetrachloroethylene (TTCY), and hexachloroethane induced significant increases in GGT+-foci above control levels. 1,1,2,2-TTCE, TTCY, and 1,1,2-TCE also induced significant increases in GGT+-foci when administered in the promotion protocol without DEN initiation. Two variants of GGT+-foci were observed: the classical type associated with PB promotion, and the other, which was more diffuse, less intensely stained, resembling foci undergoing redifferentiation and associated with CAs. A number of CAs were also genotoxic in short-term in vitro tests. Taken together, the studies suggest that CAs may be complete carcinogens in vivo with weak initiating activity and stronger promoting activity

Abstract  To assess the efficacy of the in vivo-in vitro hepatocyte replicative DNA synthesis (RDS) test as a short-term assay, 41 putative nongenotoxic (Ames-negative) mouse hepatocarcinogens, as well as 31 noncarcinogens, were examined using male 8-week-old B6C3F1 mice and an in vitro [methyl-3]thymidine-incorporation technique. Animals were exposed to the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and 1/2 MTD of each chemical by gavage and after 24, 39 or 48 h, hepatocytes were prepared with a collagenase-perfusion technique. Assessment of the distribution of spontaneous RDS in a total of 337 control mice gave an average incidence of 0.15 +/- 0.08% within the range of 0 to 0.39% (mean +/- 3 x SE) with a 99.7% probability. Values of 0.4% or more for RDS incidences induced by test samples were therefore judged as indicating a positive response in our RDS test. Under the experimental conditions applied, 32 of 41 putative nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogens gave clear positive responses (positive sensitivity: 78%), and of 31 noncarcinogens 25 samples gave negative responses (negative specificity: 81%), thus giving an overall concordance for the RDS test with long-term findings of 79%.

Abstract  EPA has released the Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) Version 2.1.2, a tool which is used to facilitate the application of benchmark dose (BMD)1 methods to EPA hazardous pollutant risk assessments.

Abstract  Mutation of the conserved Thr319 residue to Ala of cytochrome P4501A2 (CYP1A2) increased the value of Vmax 9-fold for reductive dehalogenation of hexachloroethane in the reconstituted system under anaerobic conditions. The Thr319Ala mutation also increased the elimination over substitution product ratio by 5-fold. The addition of aliphatic alcohols increased by 22-fold the activity obtained with the wild type and varied the elimination over substitution product ratio. Increasing pH increased the ratio of elimination over substitution by primarily affecting the rate of elimination.