Analysis of mutagenic activity in cigarette smokers' urine by high performance liquid chromatography

Abstract

Mutagenic activity in smokers' urine which had been concentrated by XAD-2 resin can be separated from approximately 90% of the non-mutagenic material by CH2Cl2 extraction. This extract appears to be stable for 3 months at -20 degrees C. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of the CH2Cl2 extract showed multiple mutagenic non-polar fractions which were better activated by rat liver homogenates prepared from 3-methylcholanthrene treated rats than from rats treated with phenobarbital. Mutagenic activity in smokers' urine was extractable by acid, but not by base. The mutagens in smokers' urine appear to be a complex mixture of relatively non-polar chemicals.