Abstract

In this report three independent bioassays for the determination of dioxinlike compounds have been evaluated. These assays include an immunochemical determination of 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), an inhibition of estrogen-induced cathepsin D in MCF-7 cell line and the induction of cytochrome P-450 IA1 in isolated hepatocytes. It appeared that in our experiments only the last bioassay was successful. A limit of detection of 2 pg TCDD/assay was achieved with the cultured hepatocytes from rats. Thus far only standard solutions have been tested without the influence of matrix components of environmental or biological samples or the influence of other contaminants. The assay can be automated and performed in relatively large numbers.