Interaction of Benzanthrone with Reconstituted Collagen Fibrils

Workers exposed to dye intermediate, benzanthrone, develop itching, burning sensation, erythema and hyperpigmentation of the skin; which also becomes tender, rough and peals off easily. Earlier experiments have shown that rat skin is capable of picking up benzanthrone. The present study was, therefore, aimed to explore the binding kinetic of skin matrix, of which collagen shares the major proportion. Results revealed that benzanthrone readily binds to reconstituted native collagen fibrils. The uptake is concentration dependent initially and does not in-volve-SH groups. Denaturation (gelatinisation) of collagen by heat or urea treat-ment leads to loss of its binding potential. Serum albumin exhibits a tendency to dissociate benzanthrone prebound to collagen and thus may ultimately assist in efflux of benzanthrone through circulation.