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Abstract
The ability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to bind to mouse hemoglobin and serum proteins was investigated. Thirteen different PAH commonly identified in complex mixtures were evaluated. Individual tritium labeled hydrocarbons were administered to female CD-1 mice by tail vein injection, at a dose of 140 μCi (725 nmol) using Emulphor and saline as vehicle. Twenty-four h after treatment, mice were anesthetized and blood was collected by cardiac puncture. The level of radioactivity bound to globin and serum proteins was determined. Comparative studies were also performed to evaluate the amount of hydrocarbon excreted in urine. A direct correlation between urinary excretion and hydrocarbon molecular weight was observed. Benzo[b]fluoranthene exhibited the highest binding to both globin and serum proteins. Several hydrocarbons exhibited binding levels comparable to that seen with benzo[a]pyrene. These results provide an assessment of the potential usefulness of various PAH as biomarkers of exposure to complex mixtures.