Benzopyrene toxicity

Hydroxylation may also take place at nitrogen atoms, resulting in hydroxyl-amines (e.g., acetaminophen). Benzene, polycyclic aromatic compounds (e.g., benzopyrene), and unsaturated cyclic carbohydrates can be converted by mono-oxygenases to epoxides, highly reactive electrophiles that are hepato-toxic and possibly carcinogenic. 

Among them are carbon monoxide, cyanide, benzopyrene, and tar, the same toxic chemicals present in cigarette smoke. (Some researchers feel that any beneficial effects that may be found in the medicinal use of marijuana are actually negated by the current lack of a suitable alternative delivery method.) Additionally, any pesticides sprayed on the plant by the grower are present in the smoke, and are inhaled along with the THC. 

Bemhia tabtn-i, field trials in Israel 232-3, 234, 235 Benzopyrene 29 Bermisia (abaci 227--J7 toxicity to 228, 22y Biuallethrin 240. 270 Bioussays... 

Walters JM, Cain RB, Corner EDS, Higgins IJ (1978) Cell-free benzpyrene hydroxylase activity in marine zooplankton. Proc Soc Gen Microbiol 5 68-69 Walters JM, Cain RB, Higgins IJ (1979a) Increased levels of 3,4-benzopyrene hydroxylase activity in marine zooplankton on exposure to hydrocarbons toxic effect of biphenyl. Proc Soc Gen Microbiol 6 38-39... 

The smoke from a reefer contains over 150 different compounds, including toxic molecules such as CO, HCN and the carcinogen benzopyrene. Some of these occur at higher levels than in tobacco smoke. 

Following this approach, Vo-Dinh et al. have recently developed an antibody-based NSOM probe for the detection of benzopyrene tetrol (BPT) within single living cells.(Vo-Dinh et al. 2000) BPT, a carcinogen in humans, is an aromatic hydrocarbon that fluoresces at 439 nm following excitation at 374 nm. In their experiments, an optical fiber was pulled to sub-micron diameters and coated with silver using conventional means. Silver was used in lieu of the more common aluminum coating to avoid toxic effects... 

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