Enzyme mechanisms in the metabolism of nitrosamines.

Many nitrosamines are metabolized by cytochromes P450, one of which (P450IIE1) has received much attention because of its role in the metabolic activation of N-nitrosodimethylamine. This enzyme exists in man, rat, mouse, hamster and other animal species. It is inducible by fasting, diabetes and exposure to ethanol, acetone, isoniazid, benzene and other chemicals. P450IIE1 is responsible for the low Km form of N-nitrosodimethylamine demethylase and is the major enzyme catalysing the metabolic activation of this carcinogen. In addition, P450IIE1 is the most active P450 species known in the metabolism of N-nitrosoethylmethylamine and N-nitrosopyrrolidine. In the metabolism of N-nitrosobutylmethylamine, P450IIE1 preferentially oxidizes the methyl group over the butyl group, whereas P450IIB1 efficiently oxidizes both the methyl and butyl groups. P450IIB1 also catalyses the alpha-oxygenation of both the pentyl and methyl groups of N-nitrosopentylmethylamine, forming pentaldehyde and formaldehyde at a rate ratio of 2:1, as well as oxygenation at other carbons of the pentyl group. Many nitrosamines are effectively activated in nonhepatic target tissues. The metabolism of 4-(N-nitroso-methylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone in lung and nasal microsomes is discussed.