Determination of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-4-(3-pyridyl)-butyric acid in tobacco, tobacco smoke and the urine of rats and smokers.

The potential endogenous nitrosation of nicotine and/or nicotine metabolites has led to speculation on the possible formation of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-4-(3-pyridyl)butyric acid (iso-NNAC) in smokers. A gas chromatographic method with thermal energy analytical detection is described for the determination of iso-NNAC in tobacco, tobacco smoke and urine. Sample pre-concentration is performed using C18 extraction cartridges prior to esterification of iso-NNAC using ethereal diazomethane solution. Sample clean-up includes chromatography on aluminum and silica, and fractionation using high-performance liquid chromatography. The detection limits for iso-NNAC in tobacco, tobacco smoke and urine are 2 ng/g tobacco, 0.1 ng/cigarette and 20 ng/l urine, respectively.

Evaluation of 4-(N-methylnitrosamino)-4-(3-pyridyl)butyric acid as a potential monitor of endogenous nitrosation of nicotine and its metabolites.

The potential endogenous nitrosation of nicotine and cotinine to yield 4-(N-methylnitrosamino)-4-(3-pyridyl)butyric acid (Iso-NNAC) has been studied in smokers and non-smokers. Following i.v. administration of 100 micrograms Iso-NNAC to rats, excretion in urine (67.4 +/- 25.4%) and feces (6.1 +/- 1.6%) occurred within 24 h. The urinary excretion of nitrate, nicotine, cotinine and Iso-NNAC were determined in 24 h urine samples from 19 smokers and 10 non-smokers. Iso-NNAC excretion was found on four occasions (44, 65, 74 and 163 ng/day) in smokers; non-smokers did not excrete Iso-NNAC. Oral administration of nicotine (n = 8; 12-40 mg) and cotinine (n = 3; 40-60 mg) to abstinent smokers did not result in Iso-NNAC excretion, even after oral nitrate (150 mg) supplementation. However, Iso-NNAC was found in cigarette tobacco (10-330 ng/g) and mainstream cigarette smoke (1.1-5.5 ng/cig.). Our studies suggest that the occasional presence of Iso-NNAC in smokers' urine results from exogenous exposure to the preformed compound in mainstream cigarette smoke and not from endogenous nitrosation of nicotine and its metabolites.

Determination of a metabolite of the herbicide pyridate in drinking and groundwater using high-performance liquid chromatography with amperometric detection.

The main metabolite of the herbicide pyridate is 3-phenyl-4-hydroxy-6-chlorpyridazine (CL9673). A high-performance liquid chromatographic method with amperometric detection is described for determining CL9673 at residue levels in water samples. Sample preconcentration is performed by passage through a C18 extraction cartridge. A recovery study using tap water samples spiked with CL9673 at a concentration of 0.1 micrograms/l showed a recovery of 84.8% (coefficient of variation 6.2%). The method is suitable for the determination of CL9673 in drinking and groundwater.

Indoor air pollution due to tobacco smoke under real conditions. Preliminary results.

A short review exploring the generation and composition of tobacco smoke is given. Experimental arrangements used to record sidestream smoke are critically discussed. Data from own experiments in a tobacco smoke polluted office room were presented and discussed. These data include nicotine, ammonia, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, CO, NO and NO2. First results about the diameter of the particles in the smoke polluted room were also given. By the aid of the RINGOLD's equation the COHB content on basis of the CO-values of exhaled breath of active and passive smokers were determined. Data about the nitrosamine content in the air of the room during the smoke tests were also given and discussed.