Tobacco Smoke Hemoglobin Adducts in Maternal and Fetal Blood

The maternal-fetal exchange of the potent tobacco related human carcinogen, 4-aminobiphenyl, was studied in women smokers during pregnancy. Maternal and fetal blood samples were classified as coming from nonsmokers (n=74), individuals smoking less than 1 pack of cigarettes per day (n=16), individuals smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day (n=19), individuals smoking 1-2 packs of cigarettes per day (n=19), and individuals smoking greater than 2 packs of cigarettes per day (n=20). 4-Aminobiphenyl was extracted from both maternal and fetal blood samples using organic extractions and the released amine was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized by analysis of the samples by gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis. Increasing levels of 4-aminobiphenyl - hemoglobin adducts were found as the smoking status of the women increased ranging from 144 ± 22.2 (2 packs per day). A corresponding increase in the presence of fetal 4-aminobiphenyl hemoglobin adducts was also detected (74.3 ± 17.8; 2 packs/day).