Covalent Binding of Inhaled Formaldehyde to DNA in the Respiratory Tract of Rhesus Monkeys: Pharmacokinetics, Rat-to-Monkey Interspecies Scaling, and Extrapolation to Man

Covalent Bindingoflnhaled Formaldehyde to DNA in the RespiratoryTractofRhesus Monkeys: Pharmacokinetics, Rat-to-Monkey InterspeciesScaling, and Extrapolation to Man. CASANOVA, M., MORGAN, K.T., STEINHAGEN, W. H., EVERITT, J. I., POPP, J. A., AND HECK,H. D'A. (1991). Fundam. Appl Toxicol 17, 409–428. DNA-proteincross-links were formed in the respiratory tract of rhesus monkeysexposed to [¹⁴C]formaldehyde (0.7, 2, or 6 ppm; 6 hr). Concentrationsof cross-links (pmol/mg DNA) were highest in the mucosa of themiddle turbmates; lower concentrations were produced in theanterior lateral wall/septum and nasopharynx. Very low concentrationswere found in the larynx/trachea/carina and in the proximalportions of the major bronchi of some monkeys exposed to 6 ppmbut not to 0.7 ppm. No cross-links were detected in the maxillarysinuses or lung parenchyma. The pharrnacokinetics of cross-linkformation in the nose were interpreted using a model in whichthe rate of formation is proportional to the tissue concentrationof formaldehyde. The model includes both saturable and nonsaturableelimination pathways and describes regional differences in DNAbinding as having an anatomical rather than a biochemical basis.Using this model, the concentration of cross-links formed incorrespondmg tissues of different spacies can be predicted byscaling the pharmacokinetic parameter that depends on minutevolume () and quantity of nasal mucosal DNA (M_DNA). The concentration-response curve for the average rateof cross-link formation in the turbinates lateral wall, andseptum of rhesus monkeys was predicted from that of F-344 ratsexposed under similar conditions. There was significant overlapbetween predicted and fitted curves, implying that V and M_DNAare major determinants of the rate of cross-link formation inthe nasal mucosa of different species. Concentrations of cross-linksthat may be produced in the nasal mucosa of adult men were predictedbased on experimental data in rats and monkeys. The resultssuggest that formaldehyde would generate lower concentrationsof cross-links in the nasal mucosa of humans than of monkeys,and much lower concentrations in humans than in rats. The rateof formation of DNA-protein cross-links can be regarded as asurrogate for the delivered concentration of formaldehyde. Useof this surrogate should decrease the uncertainty of human cancerrisk estimates derived by interspecies extrapolation by providinga more realistic measure of the delivered concenmtion at criticaltarget sites.     

Mouse Liver Carcinogenesis: Mechanisms and Relevance

Symposium Overview: Mouse Liver Carcinogenesis: Mechanisms andRelevance. GOODMAN, J. I., WARD, J. M., POPP, J. A., KALUNIG,J. E., AND FOX, T. R. (1991). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 17, 651–665.     

Reproductive Toxicity of Sulfamethazine in Swiss CD-1 Mice during Continuous Breeding

Sulfamethazine (SMZ) was evaluated for reproductive toxicityin Swiss CD-1 mice using a continuous breeding protocol. SMZwas administered in the diet at 0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1% (w/w), whichrepresented an average daily intake of 0, 313, 625, or 1250mg SMZ/kg/day, respectively. Exposure of F0 male and femalemice to 1% SMZ for 126 days resulted in a significant decreasein the mean number of live pups per litter and the number oflitters produced (task 2); the percentage pups born alive to1% SMZ females showed a nonsignificant decrease versus controlfemales. The effects on fertility were rapid to onset (1 to4 weeks) and cumulative in nature. F0 male and female body weightswere slightly depressed from 3 weeks to the end of the study.The crossover mating trial (task 3) revealed that the adverseeffect on ferility involved both treated partners in that littersize decreased when either 1% SMZ males were bred to controlfemales or 1% SMZ females were mated with control males. Afterapproximately 155 days of exposure of F0 mice to 1% SMZ, theterminal body weight of 1% SMZ females was significantly decreasedand that of 1% SMZ males showed a nonsignificant decrease. Inaddition, the liver weight to body weight ratio of the maleswas increased. Further, the prostate and seminal vesicle weightto body weight ratios were decreased in 1% SMZ males relativeto control males. No treatment-related gross or histopathologicallesions were noted for the pituitary or reproductive organsof either sex. Sperm assessment indicated no significant differencein the epididymal sperm concentration or percentage motile orabnormal sperm. In conclusion, SMZ was found to be a reproductivetoxicant in the male and female Swiss CD-1 mouse, albeit atrelatively high dietary intake (1250 mg/kg/day), and in thepresence of mild systemic toxicity.     

The evolution and value of bleeding assessment tools

Summary. A personal history of excessive mucocutaneous bleeding is a key component in the diagnosis of a number of mild bleeding disorders, including von Willebrand disease (VWD), platelet function disorders (PFD), and coagulation factor deficiencies. However, the evaluation of hemorrhagic symptoms is a well‐recognized challenge for both patients and physicians, because the reporting and interpretation of bleeding symptoms is subjective. As a result, bleeding assessment tools (BATs) have been developed and studied in a variety of clinical settings. This work has been pioneered by a group of Italian researchers, and the resultant ‘Vicenza Bleeding Questionnaire’ stands as the original BAT. In this review, we will discuss the modifications of the Vicenza Bleeding Questionnaire that have taken place over the years, as well as the validation studies that have been published. Other BATs that have been developed and published will be reviewed, as will the special situations of assessing pediatric bleeding as well as menorrhagia. Lastly, the clinical utility of BATs will be discussed including remaining challenges and future directions for the field.     

Human monoclonal antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum: production, stabilization and characterization

Nine human monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) recognizing 7 different antigenic structures of blood-stages of the human malarial parasite P. falciparum (Pf) were produced by Epstein-Barr virus transformed B-cell lines (EBV-TCL) with or without fusion to the lymphoblastoid cell line KR4. The peripheral blood B-lymphocytes were obtained from 8 Gambian donors immune to Pf malaria. Two of the EBV-TCL could be expanded and maintained for more than 6 months but neither one could be cloned. Six additional EBV-TCL were stabilized after fusion with the KR4 lymphoblastoid cell line. All resulting hybridomas permitted easy cloning. Some of the MoAbs produced distinct fluorescent staining patterns of asexual Pf blood-stage parasites when using high-resolution digitized video-intensified fluorescence microscopy. Antigens on 195 kD and 155 kD proteins were recognized by 3 and 1 MoAb, respectively, using Western blotting and immunoprecipitation techniques.     

The Effect of Etiocholanolone on Granulocyte Kinetics

The effect of etiocholanolone on granulocyte kinetics in 12 hematologicallynormal patients has been investigated using the technic of ³H-DFP labelingof autologous blood in vitro.

Baseline determinations of the total blood granulocyte pool (TBGP), thecirculating pool (CGP), and the marginated pool (MGP) were performed.The values for the total blood granulocyte pools were similar to those previously reported. Following the administration of etiocholanolone, there was a98 per cent increase in the TBGP, which was considered to be due to mobilization of granulocytes from the bone marrow reserve. There was no change inthe ratio of CGP to MGP.

These studies suggest that etiocholanolone may be a useful agent for theestimation of bone marrow reserve.

Submitted on November 21, 1966 Accepted on April 13, 1967