In vivo metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene in a lower vertebrate, the newt Pleurodeles walt.

The capacity of the newt to metabolize benzo(a)pyrene in vivo was investigated qualitatively and quantitatively: metabolism was found to be rapid. Treatment of bile with beta-glucuronidase and aryl-sulfatase released high proportions of diols and quinones. 3-Methylcholanthrene treatment shortened the elimination half-life of benzo(a)pyrene which was about three times shorter than the half-life found for non-3-methylcholanthrene-pretreated animals. Thus, a greater proportion of benzo(a)pyrene was converted into water-soluble products.