The uptake and release of benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[e]pyrene in vitro by Syrian hamster embryo cells as a function of serum concentration

A quantitative study on the in vitro uptake of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and benzo[e]pyrene (B[e]P) by Syrian hamster embryo cells and the induction of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) has been carried out. The amounts of B[a]P and B[e]P taken up by the cells decreases as does the induction of SCEs by B[a]P when the concentration of serum in the culture medium increases. It appears that serum prevents (B[a]P or B[e]P uptake. We have observed no significant differences between the two hydrocarbons regarding uptake by cells; chromatographic results show however that B[a]P is metabolized by these cells, while B[e]P is not. Our results suggest that serum inhibits B[a]P and B[e]P uptake and hence decreases the number of SCEs.