INTRODUCTION
Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is one of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) referred to as a human carcinogen (IARC monographs, in preparation). B[a]P has beenshown to induce gene mutations, chromosomal aberrations and other types of genotoxic effects in in vitro and in vivo. Most humans are more or less constantly exposed to B[a]P. As a product of incomplete combustion, B[a]P is present in tobacco smoke, diesel engine exhaust, urban air, various types of processed foods, coal-tar, creosote, asphalt, and various occupational settings such as coal B[a]P is metabolized to 7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE) by cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP). BPDE is the ultimate carcinogenic form of B[a]P and binds to the exocyclic nitrogen of deoxyguanosine in DNA. BPDE-DNA adducts in target tissues were closely related to development of cancer in animals and humans (Culp and Beland, 1994). In addition, oxidative DNA damage also plays an important role in the process of B[a]P carcinogenesis, because B[a]P produces quinone derivatives which easily generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidatively damage DNA (Penning et al., 1996). As a result of hydroxyl radical interaction with DNA, many types of oxidized a]P administration, although that of wild-type mice was only slightly changed. Because cytochrome P450 (CYP) plays a major role in the process of B[a]P metabolic activation, we attempted to reveal the effect of MT on metabolic activation of B[a]P. Although CYP1A activities were elevated in the livers of MT-I/II null mice and wild-type mice treated with B[a]P, it was not different between both strains of mice. In addition, a]P treatment, whereas MT was not detected in livers of MT-I/II null mice with or without B[a]P treatment. These results demonstrate that MT acts as an endogenous defensive factor against B[a]P-induced DNA damage.