• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.142-146
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• 1988

Metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene, the most thoroughly studied PAH, was studied in mouse placental microsomes incubated with $^3$H-labeled B(a)P. B(a)P metabolites were separated using HPLC fitted with a C18- $\mu$ Bondapak column. The single major metabolite by mouse placental microsomes induced by B(a)P was 7, 8-diol B(a)P, while 4, 5-diol B(a)P, 3-OH and quinones constituted minor metabolites. Treatment with 3-methyl-cholanthrene to mice resulted in indudion of hydroxy B(a)P and quinone compounds. Phenobarbital treated mouse placental microsomes also showed elevated level of B(a)P metabolism with 7, 8-diol B(a)P as a major metabolite.