The in vitro biotransformation of 2-aminofluorene in the visceral mass of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas

Abstract

1. The in vitro biotransformation of 2-aminofluorene (2-AF) was examined in visceral mass microsomes from the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas.

2. The major metabolite was N-formyl-2-aminofluorene with smaller quantities of N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene and nitroso-2-aminofluorene or 2-nitrofluorene.

3. The mechanism of N-oxidation was explored using various inhibitors, stimulators, cofactors, and pH modifications within incubations.

4. N-Oxidation may occur via a one electron mechanism which involves a transition metal and/or lipid peroxidation.

5. Flavin-containing monooxygenase and possibly prostaglandin synthase also seem to play a role in N-oxidation.