Topographical study of O(6)-alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase repair activity and N7-methylguanine levels in resected lung tissue.

The findings in this study do not support the hypothesis that peripheral tissue is more susceptible to the genotoxic effects of alkylating agents than central lung tissue. In addition exposure to cigarette smoke reduced the level of MGMT in central bronchial tissue possibly through increased alkylating agent exposure.