Chemical structure, reactivity, and carcinogenicity of halohydrocarbons.

This review summarizes studies concerning the covalent binding of [14C]TCE to rat liver microsomal protein and exogenous DNA, in vitro, the enhancement of this binding by inducers of mixed-function oxidases, and inhibition of binding by inhibitors of these enzymes. Furthermore, recent studies on this type of binding in various strains of mice and rats of both sexes and using microsomal preparations from various organs are briefly reviewed. Other work reviewed here concerns the synthesis of TCE epoxide and its reaction with nucleophiles since it is believed that TCE epoxide is the activated carcinogenic intermediate of TCE. The utility of structural prognostication of carcinogenic activity and the importance of considering possible metabolic pathways for other chlorinated olefins is also discussed.