Skip to main content
Log in

N-methylcarbamoyl adducts at the N-terminal valine of globin in workers exposed to N,N-dimethylformamide

  • SHORT COMMUNICATION
  • Published:
Archives of Toxicology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is a commonly used industrial solvent. The formation of some metabolites of DMF in humans occurs via N-methylcarbamoylated species (e.g. N-methylcarbamoylated glutathione). The aim of our study was to investigate whether DMF leads to N-methylcarbamoylated adducts at the N-terminal valine of haemoglobin (Hb). Therefore, Hb adduct levels of ten DMF exposed workers and ten controls were analysed by a specific and sensitive detection method using capillary gas chromatography and a mass selective detector (GC/MS). Using this method we were able to show for the first time that Hb adducts are formed during the metabolism of DMF in humans. The general population, however, shows still unidentified background levels of this adduct which are on average lower by a factor of 50. The pathway for the formation of the investigated DMF-Hb adduct in workers exposed to DMF is still unknown. As identical adducts were also found after exposure to methylisocyanate (MIC), our work indicates the formation of MIC during the metabolism of DMF. The formation of Hb adducts with DMF and its relevance for occupational health is a subject of further research.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Received: 3 November 1997 / Accepted: 9 December 1997

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Angerer, J., Göen, T., Krämer, A. et al. N-methylcarbamoyl adducts at the N-terminal valine of globin in workers exposed to N,N-dimethylformamide. Arch Toxicol 72, 309–313 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002040050507

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002040050507

Navigation