Cytochrome P-450 and Drug-induced Spectral Interactions in the Hepatic Microsomes of Trout,Salmo trutta lacustris*

Abstract The properties of various components of a drug-oxidizing mono-oxygenase system in the liver of trout (Salmo trutta lacustris) were studied. The concentration of the cytochrome P-450 was about 7 nmol/g liver wet weight when measured in the 12,000 × g supernatant and 0.2 nmol/mg protein when measured in the “microsomal” fraction. The activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase was about 2000 nmol cyt. c reduced/g liver/min. measured in the homogenate and 20 nmol/mg protein/min. when measured in the “microsomal” fraction. The distribution of the cytochrome P-450 into different centrifugal fractions indicates that it is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. The cytochrome P-450 present in the fish liver microsomal fraction was capable of interacting with different substances resulting in type II (aniline, n-octylamine, cyanide) and a reversed type I (n-butanol) spectra. Substances producing type I spectra in the rat liver microsomes, did not give any spectra (hexobarbital, SKF 525A) or gave unclassified spectral changes with the fish liver cytochrome P-450 (bromobenzene, DDT, piperonyl butoxide). Spectral dissociation constants were calculated for aniline and n-octylamine. Further experiments indicated that the mono-oxygenase system in the trout liver microsomes can metabolize aminopyrine, aldrin and 3,4-benzpyrene.     

Studies on the cytochrome P-450 of avocado (Persea [corrected] americana) mesocarp microsomal fraction

1. Because of the low concentration of cytochrome P-450 in avocado fruit, microsomal fractions were prepared using polyethylene glycol aggregation and low-speed centrifugation, thus avoiding the need for high-speed centrifugation of large volumes of post-mitochondrial supernatant. Recoveries of cytochrome P-450 by this means (0.29 nmol/g tissue) were similar to those after the usual high-speed centrifugation preparation (0.26 nmol/g). The cytochrome P-450 content of tulip bulb (0.30 nmol/g) was similar to that of avocado, but both plant tissues had much lower P-450 contents than did rat liver (13.0 nmol/g). 2. Spectral studies indicate that cytochrome P-450 of avocado mesocarp microsomal fraction binds fewer substrates than does the rat liver enzyme system. Type I binding spectra are given by fatty acids (C7-C14), aryl hydrocarbons (C7-C12), p-chloro-N-methylaniline and N,N-dimethylaniline. Type II binding is seen with inhibitors of mammalian cytochrome P-450 such as metyrapone, and with the imidazole antifungal agents such as clotrimazole. 3. These binding spectra provide a rapid method for identifying possible substrates and inhibitors of avocado cytochrome P-450, and also provide information concerning the nature of the active site of avocado cytochrome P-450. 4. Avocado cytochrome P-450 catalysed the N-demethylation of N,N-dimethylaniline (17.1 nmol/min per nmol P-450) and p-chloro-N-methylaniline (13.1 nmol/min per nmol P-450), and the hydroxylation of lauric (dodecanoic) acid (1.1 nmol/min per nmol P-450).     

Biphenyl hydroxylations and spectrally apparent interactions with liver microsomes from hamsters pre-treated with phenobarbitone and 3-methylcholanthrene.

1. Metabolism of [14-C]biphenyl by hamster liver microsomes has been studied by t.l.c., quantitative fluorimetry and difference absorption spectrophotometry. 2. 4-Hydroxybiphenyl (major metabolite) and 2-hydroxybiphenyl (minor) accounted for at least 83% of total biphenyl metabolism. Small quantities of 2,2'- and 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl metabolites were also tentatively identified. 3. Biphenyl 2- and 4-hydroxylations exhibited different NADPH-NADH specificities and pH profiles. 4. Phenobarbitone preferentially induced formation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl, while 3-methylcholanthrene induced 2- and 4-hydroxylation almost equally by affecting both production and further metabolism of 2- and 4-hydroxybiphenyl. 5. Biphenyl, 2- and 4-hydroxy- and 2,2'-dihydroxybiphenyl gave both high- and low-affinity type I spectrally apparent microsomal interactions, whereas 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl promoted a reverse type I spectral change. There was an inverse correlation between the spectral dissociation constants (Ks) and lipid solubilities for the low-affinity type I interactions and a possible direct correlation for the high-affinity type I interactions. 6. Phenobarbitone and 3-methylcholanthrene induced cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome P-448 respectively and produced complex changes in the biphenyl type I interaction kinetics. No direct relationship was found in 'control' or 'induced' microsomes between biphenyl 2- or 4-hydroxylation, the type I interaction and cytochrome P-450 concentration. The results are discussed in terms of a 3-methylcholanthrene-inducible biphenyl 2- and 4-hydroxylase and a phenobarbitone-inducible biphenyl 4-hydroxylase.     

Betamethasone-mediated activation of biphenyl 2-hydroxylation in rat liver microsomes. Studies on possible mechanisms

The addition of the steroid betamethasone to intact or detergent-solubilized rat liver microsomes caused a concentration-dependent increase in the rate of biphenyl 2-hydroxylation. Betamethasone (100 microM) increased the apparent Vmax for 2-hydroxybiphenyl formation 2- to 4-fold but had no effect on the apparent Km when either the biphenyl or NADPH concentration was varied. Betamethasone had little or no effect on the apparent Vmax or apparent Km of the 3- and 4-hydroxylations of biphenyl. The steroid did not enhance biphenyl 2-hydroxylation through a peroxidative mechanism. Betamethasone had little or no effect on the rate of the NADPH-dependent reduction of cytochrome c or total microsomal cytochrome P-450. The addition of purified NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase to cholate-solubilized liver microsomes increased the rate of hydroxylation of biphenyl in positions 2 and 4. Betamethasone (100 microM) decreased the apparent Km for purified cytochrome P-450 reductase by 48% and increased the apparent Vmax of 2-hydroxybiphenyl formation by 2-fold when the concentration of cytochrome P-450 reductase was varied. The steroid did not alter the Km or Vmax values for the 4-hydroxylation of biphenyl. The data suggest that betamethasone enhances the interaction between the reductase and the form(s) of cytochrome P-450 responsible for the 2-hydroxylation of biphenyl.     

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in crustaceans

1. The hepatopancreas is the major site of cytochrome P450-dependent xenobiotic monooxygenation in crustacean species, but the presence of monooxygenase inhibitors in hepatopancreas microsomes and cytosol from many decapod species has impeded in vitro studies. Cytochrome P450 and monooxygenase activities have been reported in other crustacean organs including the antennal gland (green gland) and stomach. 2. NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity is often very low (typically less than 10 nmol cytochrome c reduced/min per mg microsomal protein) in hepatopancreas microsomes from crustacean species. NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase activity has not yet been detected in crustacean hepatopancreas microsomes. 3. The cytochrome P450 present in hepatopancreas of several crab species and the spiny lobster has been resolved into several fractions by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. One form of cytochrome P450 from spiny lobster has been purified to 12 +/- 2 nmol/mg protein. 4. Reconstitution studies with spiny lobster hepatopancreas P450 have shown that the vertebrate sex steroids, progesterone and testosterone, are excellent substrates, whereas ecdysone--the crustacean molting hormone--is not a substrate. Activity was found with several xenobiotic substrates including benzphetamine, aminopyrine, benzo(a)pyrene, ethyl-, benzyl- and pentyl-phenoxazones and ethoxycoumarin. Highest activities (greater than 50 nmol/min per nmol P450) were found for N-demethylation of benzphetamine and aminopyrine. 5. The ability of agents which induce vertebrate cytochrome P450 to induce cytochrome P450 in crustaceans is still unclear. Some studies indicate that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, but not phenobarbital-type inducers, could induce cytochrome P450 in crustaceans, whereas other studies showed no effect of either inducer type. Crustaceans are not as sensitive as fish to induction of P450 and monooxygenase activity.     

Immunohistochemical localization and quantitation of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase in human liver

An antibody raised in a goat against the human liver NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4.) enzyme has been used to: 1) immunoquantify the level of this enzyme in human liver microsomes, and 2) study the distribution of the reductase across the human liver acinus. Employing the Western blot procedure, anti-human reductase IgG recognized a single band in human liver microsomes which corresponded in molecular weight to the purified reductase. The content of the NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase in six normal human livers varied from 87 to 121 pmol/mg of microsomal protein. NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase activity of the same microsomes ranged from 107 to 222 nmol of cytochrome c reduced per min per mg of protein. The correlation between reductase content and activity (r = 0.54) was not statistically significant (p greater than 0.1). The total cytochrome P-450 content (cytochrome P-450 and P-420) of the same microsomes varied from 423 to 1413 pmol/mg of microsomal protein. The average ratio of cytochrome P-450 to NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase was 7.1:1 +/- 3.1 (mean +/- SD) in the human liver microsomal preparations studied. The reductase was found to be nonuniformly distributed across the human liver acinus. Although all hepatocytes stained positively for NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, the staining intensity was highest in zone 3 and in some cases also in zone 1 hepatocytes. These results show that human liver contains a gross excess of cytochrome P-450 molecules to NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase molecules. Furthermore, the differential distribution of the reductase within the human liver acinus may lead to a better understanding of the mechanism underlining site-specific drug hepatotoxicity.     

Influence of cytochrome P-450 type on the pattern of conjugation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl generated from biphenyl or 4-methoxybiphenyl

The rate of production of 4-hydroxybiphenyl from 4-methoxybiphenyl in hepatocytes isolated from untreated rats was essentially identical to that from biphenyl in hepatocytes isolated from rats pretreated with beta-naphthoflavone at 40 mg/kg. Similar results were obtained using liver microsomes isolated from untreated or treated rats. The selective inhibition of these reactions by metyrapone, alpha-naphthoflavone and ethanol demonstrated that different forms of cytochrome P-450 are responsible for O-demethylation of 4-methoxybiphenyl in livers of untreated rats and 4-hydroxylation of biphenyl in livers of pretreated rats. The pattern of conjugation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl generated from biphenyl in hepatocytes isolated from pretreated rats was different from that for 4-hydroxybiphenyl generated from 4-methoxybiphenyl in hepatocytes isolated from untreated rats, there being a 60% decrease in sulphation measured after 60 min incubation with biphenyl. Glucuronidation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl was not affected. The sulphation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl added directly was significantly decreased in hepatocytes isolated from pretreated rats. The initial rate of glucuronidation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl added directly was not altered by the pretreatment, but there was a significant decrease in overall glucuronidation measured over a 60 min incubation. Similar results were obtained using liver slices. beta-Naphthoflavone added directly to liver slices significantly decreased the extent of sulphation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl but did not influence glucuronidation. There was evidence of a late decrease in biphenyl 4-hydroxylase activity in hepatocytes isolated from pretreated rats. It is concluded that the differences observed in the cellular metabolism of biphenyl and 4-methoxybiphenyl can be ascribed to competition between beta-naphthoflavone and/or its metabolites retained within the cells following pretreatment, and biphenyl and/or its metabolites for the pathways common to their metabolism. It is also concluded that the type of cytochrome P-450 involved in the generation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl does not, per se, influence the subsequent pattern of conjugation.     

Influence of cytochrome P-450 type on the pattern of conjugation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl generated from biphenyl or 4-methoxybiphenyl

1. The rate of production of 4-hydroxybiphenyl from 4-methoxybiphenyl in hepato-cytes isolated from untreated rats was essentially identical to that from biphenyl in hepatocytes isolated from rats pretreated with β-naphthoflavone at 40 mg/kg.

2. Similar results were obtained using liver microsomes isolated from untreated or treated rats. The selective inhibition of these reactions by metyrapone. α-naphthoflavone and ethanol demonstrated that different forms of cytochrome P-450 are responsible for O-demethylation of 4-methoxybiphenyl in livers of untreated rats and 4-hydroxylation of biphenyl in livers of pretreated rats.

3. The pattern of conjugation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl generated from biphenyl in hepatocytes isolated from pretreated rats was different from that for 4-hydroxybiphenyl generated from 4-methoxybiphenyl in hepatocytes isolated from untreated rats, there being a 60% decrease in sulphation measured after 60 min incubation with biphenyl. Glucuronidation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl was not affected.

4. The sulphation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl added directly was significantly decreased in hepatocytes isolated from pretreated rats. The initial rate of glucuronidation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl added directly was not altered by the pretreatment, but there was a significant decrease in overall glucuronidation measured over a 60 min incubation. Similar results were obtained using liver slices.

5. β-Naphthoflavone added directly to liver slices significantly decreased the extent of sulphation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl but did not influence glucuronidation.

6. There was evidence of a late decrease in biphenyl 4-hydroxylase activity in hepatocytes isolated from pretreated rats.

7. It is concluded that the differences observed in the cellular metabolism of biphenyl and 4-methoxybiphenyl can be ascribed to competition between β-naphthoflavone and/or its metabolites retained within the cells following pretreatment, and biphenyl and/or its metabolites for the pathways common to their metabolism. It is also concluded that the type of cytochrome P-450 involved in the generation of 4-hydroxybiphenyl does not, per se, influence the subsequent pattern of conjugation.     

Identification and quantitation in human liver of cytochromes P-450 analogous to rabbit cytochromes P-450 forms 4 and 6

1. Polyclonal antibodies raised against rabbit liver cytochrome P-450 isozymes form 4 and 6 have been used to probe human liver microsomes for analogous proteins using the Western blot technique. 2. Anti-Form 4 IgG recognized a protein in human liver microsomes from six subjects of identical molecular weight to purified rabbit liver cytochrome P-450 Form 4. 3. The equivalent content of cytochrome P-450 Form 4 in the same microsomes ranged from 1.1 to 9.1 pmol per mg protein. 4. Anti-Form 6 IgG recognized a protein in human liver microsomes from the same six subjects of slightly higher molecular weight than purified rabbit cytochrome P-450 Form 6. 5. The equivalent content of cytochrome P-450 Form 6 in the above microsomes ranged from 1.6 to 3.8 pmol per mg protein. 6. No significant correlations were observed between equivalent cytochrome P-450 Forms 4 and 6 content and 2-acetylaminofluorene N-hydroxylase, aminopyrine N-demethylase, benzyprene and aniline hydroxylase activities in liver microsomes from the six subjects tested.     

Aminopyrine and biphenyl metabolism in cultured hepatocytes. Induction by alcohols

Exposure of cultured chick embryo hepatocytes to ethanol, isobutanol, or isopentanol, the predominant alcohols present in commercial alcoholic beverages, resulted in increased metabolism of aminopyrine or biphenyl by the intact cells. The increases correlated with induction of cytochrome P-450. Hydroxylation of biphenyl at the 4-position was preferentially increased in cells pretreated with either the alcohols or propylisopropylacetamide, a barbiturate-like inducer of cytochrome P-450. In contrast, exposure of the cells to 3,4,3',4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, a planar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon inducer of P-450, resulted in preferential increased hydroxylation at the 2- and 3-positions of biphenyl.     

Cytochrome P-450 and oxidative metabolism in molluscs

1. Cytochrome P-450 and the associated components and oxidative activities of a mixed-function oxidase (MFO) system are localized primarily in the microsomes of the digestive gland of molluscs. 2. Cytochrome P-450 and putative cytochrome P-450-catalysed oxidative activities, measured in vitro and/or in vivo, have variously been detected in 23 species of mollusc. 3. Cytochrome P-450 and other MFO components and activities may be increased by exposure to xenobiotics, but the results are variable and no correlation is obvious between changes in cytochrome P-450 content and measured MFO activities (benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase (BPH) and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD)). 4. Type II binding compounds (clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, metyrapone and pyridine) give type II difference spectra with mussel digestive gland microsomal P-450, whereas type I binding compounds (testosterone, 7-ethoxycoumarin, alpha-naphthoflavone, SKF525-A) give apparent reverse type I difference spectra. 5. The existence of multiple or particular forms (P450 IVA or LAw) of cytochrome P-450 is indicated from enzyme kinetics and inhibition studies, seasonality, purification studies and cDNA probes. 6. Microsomal MFO activities are observed even in the absence of added or generated NADPH, and the NADPH-independent BPH, ECOD and N,N-dimethylaniline N-demethylase activities are inhibited by reducing agents, including NADPH. 7. The major metabolites of microsomal benzo[a]pyrene metabolism are quinones. 8. One-electron oxidation is considered to be one possible mechanism of molluscan cytochrome P-450 catalytic action.     

Metabolism of monochlorobiphenyls by hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450

In vitro rat hepatic microsomal metabolism of the monochlorobiphenyls (MCBs) 2-, 3- and 4-chlorobiphenyl, has been investigated as a model for the metabolism of polychlorinated biphenyl pollutants. MCB metabolism was catalyzed by cytochrome P-450, as indicated by a dependence on NADPH and O₂, inhibition by 2-diethylaminoethyl-2,2-diphenylpropylacetate (SKF 525-A), metyrapone and CO, and the formation of type I difference spectra, on the addition of MCBs to microsomes. All MCBs yielded a 4'-monohydroxy MCB as the major metabolite, as determined by mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, dechlorination to 4-hydroxybiphenyl, and high-pressure liquid chromatography retention times. Minor monohydroxy and dihydroxy metabolites were also produced from the MCBs. The regioselectivity of control cytochrome P-450 for metabolism of MCBs at the 4' position was not altered by preinduction of cytochrome P-450 with 2,4,2',4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB) or cytochrome P-448 with 3,4,3', 4'-TCB. 2-Chlorobiphenyl was metabolized only by control and induced cytochrome P-450; 3- and 4-chlorobiphenyl were metabolized by control and by induced cytochrome P-450 and P-448. Thus, the regioselectivity of metabolism of MCBs is independent of the chlorine position or the form of the induced cytochrome involved, but the extent of metabolism of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is determined by induction of the hepatic cytochromes P-450.     

Sex and age-related differences in aminopyrine N-demethylase activity in DA- and Wistar-strain rat liver microsomes. Effect of ovariectomy

1. Liver microsomal mixed-function oxidase components were studied in Wistar and Dark Agouti (DA) rats (4-45 weeks) with regard to sex- and age-related differences. Total cytochrome P-450 ranged from 0.29 to 1 nmol/mg in Wistar rats and from 0.21 to 1.27 nmol/mg in DA rats, males had higher levels than females (P less than 0.0025). Cytochrome b5 ranged between 0.42-1.37 nmol/mg and 0.42-1.56 nmol/mg in Wistar and DA strains, respectively, and NADPH-reductase activity ranged between 14-43 and 11-46 nmol/min per mg (Wistar and DA respectively). 2. Significant age-related differences were found in DA rats with four- to six-fold increase in N-demethylase activity from young to adult rats. Sex-related differences were found in both Wistar- and DA-strain rats, with males having higher (about twice) metabolic activity than females. In contrast, no significant sex- or age-related differences in cytochrome b5 content, or NADPH-reductase activity, were found. 3. Ovariectomy of 10-13-week-old females did not affect N-demethylase activity, cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5 or NADPH-reductase activity in Wistar or DA rats. 4. Cytochrome P-450 content did not correlate (r = 0.35) with aminopyrine N-demethylase activity. 5. Results indicate that sex- and age-related differences are due to changes in the isozymic composition of cytochrome P-450, and that these changes are not subject to oestrogen regulation.     

The hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxygenase (MFO) system of Alligator mississippiensis: induction by 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)

1. Pretreatment of alligators i.p. with 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) resulted in a 1.6-fold increase (P<0.001) in cytochrome P-450 specific content and a bathochromic shift in the absorption maximum of reduced, CO-liganded microsomes (448?nm).

2. Control and MC microsomal cytochrome P-450 binding spectra with a number of type I and type II ligands were similar.

3. MC treatment of alligators resulted in a 12-fold increase in benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase activity, which was inhibited 82% by 0.1 mM α-naphthoflavone. The turnover number (units/nmol P-450) of aminopyrine N-demethylase and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase were unaffected by MC treatment.

4. The O-dealkylation (OD) of a series of alkoxyresorufins (ethoxyresorufin (ER), methoxyresorufin (MR), benzyloxyresorufin (BR), and pentoxyresorufin (PR)) was investigated. MC treatment resulted in a significant (P<0.001) increase in turnover number of EROD, MROD, and BROD over control values. The turnover number of PROD was unaltered by MC treatment.

5. Western blots showed that control alligator microsomes contain a protein band of lower mol. wt. than either rat cytochrome P-450c (P450 IA1) or P-450d (P450 IA2), which was recognized by antibodies to both P-450c and P-450d but preferentially by that against P-450c. This protein band was induced 3-4-fold by MC. MC treatment induced a second protein band in alligator microsomes of the same mol. wt. as rat P-450d, recognized preferentially by antibodies to rat cytochrome P-450d.

6. These results illustrate that the alligator mixed-function oxidase (MFO) system responds to MC in a similar manner as described in mammals, i.e. induction in P-450 content, increases in specific MFO activities, and the apparent expression of different P-450 isoenzymes.     

Identification and quantitation in human liver of cytochromes P-450 analogous to rabbit cytochromes P-450 forms 4 and 6

1. Polyclonal antibodies raised against rabbit liver cytochrome P-450 isozymes form 4 and 6 have been used to probe human liver microsomes for analogous proteins using the Western blot technique.

2. Anti-Form 4 IgG recognized a protein in human liver microsomes from six subjects of identical molecular weight to purified rabbit liver cytochrome P-450 Form 4.

3. The equivalent content of cytochrome P-450 Form 4 in the same microsomes ranged from 1˙1 to 9˙1 pmol per mg protein.

4. Anti-Form 6 IgG recognized a protein in human liver microsomes from the same six subjects of slightly higher molecular weight than purified rabbit cytochrome P-450 Form 6.

5. The equivalent content of cytochrome P-450 Form 6 in the above microsomes ranged from 1˙6 to 3˙8 pmol per mg protein.

6. No significant correlations were observed between equivalent cytochrome P-450 Forms 4 and 6 content and 2-acetylaminofluorene N-hydroxylase, aminopyrine N-demethylase, benzyprene and aniline hydroxylase activities in liver microsomes from the six subjects tested.     

Sex and age-related differences in aminopyrine N-demethylase activity in DA- and Wistar-strain rat liver microsomes. Effect of ovariectomy

1. Liver microsomal mixed-function oxidase components were studied in Wistar and Dark Agouti (DA) rats (4-45 weeks) with regard to sex- and age-related differences. Total cytochrome P-450 ranged from 0.29 to 1 nmol/mg in Wistar rats and from 0.21 to 1.27 nmol/mg in DA rats, males had higher levels than females (P<0.0025). Cytochrome b₅ ranged between 0.42-1.37 nmol/mg and 0.42-1.56 nmol/mg in Wistar and DA strains, respectively, and NADPH-reductase activity ranged between 14-43 and 11-46 nmol/min per mg (Wistar and DA respectively).

2. Significant age-related differences were found in DA rats with four- to six-fold increase in N-demethylase activity from young to adult rats. Sex-related differences were found in both Wistar- and DA-strain rats, with males having higher (about twice) metabolic activity than females. In contrast, no significant sex- or age-related differences in cytochrome ₅ content, or NADPH-reductase activity, were found.

3. Ovariectomy of 10-13-week-old females did not affect N-demethylase activity, cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b₅ or NADPH-reductase activity in Wistar or DA rats.

4. Cytochrome P-450 content did not correlate (r = 0.35) with aminopyrine N-demethylase activity.

5. Results indicate that sex- and age-related differences are due to changes in the isozymic composition of cytochrome P-450, and that these changes are not subject to oestrogen regulation.     

Altered activity of hepatic mixed-function mono-oxygenase enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

1. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats, hepatic microsomal aminopyrine N-demethylase activity was depressed, whereas aniline hydroxylase activity and cytochrome P-450 content were increased over control values. 2. In diabetic female rats, hepatic microsomal aminopyrine N-demethylase activity, aniline hydroxylase activity, biphenyl 4-hydroxylase activity, and cytochrome P-450 content were increased over control values. 3. Insulin treatment of diabetic male and female rats antagonized all physical and biochemical abnormalities of the diabetic state; 4. Methyl analogues of streptozotocin did not produce a diabetic state when injected into female rats, and resulted in no changes in aminopyrine N-demethylase activity, aniline hydroxylase activity, or cytochrome P-450 content. 5. Insulin treatment of non-diabetic female rats resulted in slight decreases in aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase activities, but no changes in cytochrome P-450 content. These observations suggest that insulin primarily influences drug metabolism of diabetic animals through correction of the insulin-deficient diabetic state.     

A comparison of biphenyl 4-hydroxylation and 4-methoxybiphenyl O-demethylation in rat liver microsomes

The conversion of biphenyl and 4-methoxybiphenyl to 4-hydroxybiphenyl in rat liver microsomes has been compared. Both reactions are mediated by the microsomal monooxygenase system and both substrates bind to cytochrome P-450 to give a Type I binding spectrum, although the maximal and minimal wavelengths differ between the 2 substrates. The differential effect of enzyme inducers, metyrapone inhibition and ethanol inhibition upon biphenyl 4-hydroxylation and 4-MBP O-demethylation strongly suggest that these two reactions are mediated by different cytochrome P-450 haemoproteins.     

Flavonoids as inhibitors of rat liver monooxygenase activities

Flavanone and six hydroxylated derivatives, and cianidanol and eight ethers and esters thereof, were investigated as inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 mediated reactions in rat liver microsomes. The IC50 values towards aminopyrine N-demethylation varied over a 20-fold range and were shown to depend on the pattern of hydroxylation (flavanone derivatives) and on lipophilicity (cianidanol derivatives). In the latter case, a bilinear relationship exists, the optimal log P being 2.92. Using selected compounds, IC50, Km and Vmax values were determined for aminopyrine N-demethylation, biphenyl 4-hydroxylation, and biphenyl 2-hydroxylation. Depending on the inhibitor and on the activity examined, non-competitive, competitive, or mixed inhibition was seen. Interaction with cytochrome P-450 was also studied spectrally and was always found to result in a modified type II difference spectrum (ligand binding). A dual binding mode is postulated, involving electrostatic and lipophilic interactions.     

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in crustaceans

1. The hepatopancreas is the major site of cytochrome P450-dependent xenobiotic monooxygenation in crustacean species, but the presence of monooxygenase inhibitors in hepatopancreas microsomes and cytosol from many decapod species has impeded in vitro studies. Cytochrome P450 and monooxygenase activities have been reported in other crustacean organs including the antennal gland (green gland) and stomach.

2. NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity is often very low (typically <10nmol cytochrome c reduced/min per?mg microsomal protein) in hepatopancreas microsomes from crustacean species. NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase activity has not yet been detected in crustacean hepatopancreas microsomes.

3. The cytochrome P450 present in hepatopancreas of several crab species and the spiny lobster has been resolved into several fractions by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. One form of cytochrome P450 from spiny lobster has been purified to 12⁺-2nmol/mg protein.

4. Reconstitution studies with spiny lobster hepatopancreas P450 have shown that the vertebrate sex steroids, progesterone and testosterone, are excellent substrates, whereas ecdysone—the crustacean molting hormone—is not a substrate. Activity was found with several xenobiotic substrates including benzphetamine, aminopyrine, benzo(a)pyrene, ethyl-, benzyl- and pentyl-phenoxazones and ethoxycoumarin. Highest activities (>50nmol/min per nmol P450) were found for N-demethylation of benzphetamine and aminopyrine.

5. The ability of agents which induce vertebrate cytochrome P450 to induce cytochrome P450 in crustaceans is still unclear. Some studies indicate that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, but not phenobarbital-type inducers, could induce cytochrome P450 in crustaceans, whereas other studies showed no effect of either inducer type. Crustaceans are not as sensitive as fish to induction of P450 and monooxygenase activity.