Comparison of benzo[a]pyrene DNA adduct formation in the skin of two strains of mice selected for resistance (DBA/2) or susceptibility (C3H/HeN) to contact dermatitis

Two strains of mice were selected for resistance DBA/2 or susceptibility (C 3H/HeN) to contact dermatitis. Benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct formations was com pared in the two mouse strains by a postlabeling procedure to determine if there was a signigicant, effect. Results showed that adduct profiles in DBA /2 and C3H/HeN dermis were qualitatively similar. The total binding levels were higher in DBA/2 mice on the d 2 and the d 10. DNA adduct formation has been shown to inversely correlate with skin allergy induction. Data sugges t that the expression of the genes responsible for the differences in respo nsiveness to chemical induced contact dermatitis in mouse may play an impor tant role in benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct formation.