Binding, distribution, and clearance of 3H-benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide from chromosomes of CHO cells

The purpose of this study was to determine if the binding of a chemical carcinogen was random both within and between chromosomes. Chinese hamster ovary cells were exposed to 3H-labeled +/- anti[G-3H]-benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (3H-BPDE) and serially harvested. Autoradiographs were prepared and the distribution of silver grains over metaphase chromosomes was determined. The 3H-BPDE was randomly distributed down the length of the chromosome. The 3H-BPDE was rapidly removed from the chromosomes with 6% of the initial label remaining at 9 h after exposure. The distribution of silver grains between chromatids was nonrandom at 3 and 6 h after exposure, suggesting a differential removal of 3H-BPDE. 4 references, 4 figures