Polychlorinated biphenyl IUPAC# 101-PCB 101 (chlorination pattern-2,2'4',5,5') is a common, persistent non-coplanar PCB congener found in the ambient environment but information related to its metabolism ill humans is lacking. Previous studies indicate PCB 101 is rapidly metabolized in mammals through CYP 2B and 3A family enzymes. Recently, PCB metabolism through a 2A family isoform in hamsters was also reported. To specifically identify the human CYP 450 isoforms responsible for PCB 101 metabolism, we compared human microsome metabolism to metabolism using several specific recombinant human CYP isoforms. These data characterized selective and extensive metabolism by human CYP 2A6. The product formed was the 4-hydroxy-PCB 101 metabolite (4-hydroxy2,2',4',5,5') and was the only major metabolite observed ill the recombinant and human microsome investigation. This is important information for predicting human specific toxicokinetics of PCBs. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.