Enhancement of benzo(a)pyrene-induced sister chromatid exchanges as a consequence of glutathione depletion in vivo

Pretreatment of Chinese hamsters with phorone (diisopropylidene acetone) decreased hepatic glutathione (GSH) content to about 20% of the control level after 2 hours. The GSH S-transferase activities were not affected. As a consequence of reduced detoxication by GSH the potency of 3,4-benzo(a)pyrene to induce sister chromatid exchanges in vivo in bone marrow cells was significantly enhanced. Chemically induced distinct alterations in metabolism of mutagens/carcinogens are proposed as experimental models for pharmacogenetic and toxigenetic studies.