Characterization of the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system in nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial (Clara) cells isolated from mouse lung

The nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial (Clara) cell of the mouse is highly susceptible to toxicants that undergo metabolic activation, presumably because this cell type has high levels of cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases. As a first step in further defining the role of Clara cells in pulmonary xenobiotic activation and detoxication, we have isolated Clara cells (75 to 80% purity) and characterized them morphologically and biochemically. The identity of Clara cells, confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, was based on several features, including abundant agranular endoplasmic reticulum, large mitochondria, and dense secretory granules. Immunocytochemistry of isolated mouse cells showed that the majority were positive with antibodies against three major components of the pulmonary cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system, cytochrome P-450 isozymes 2 (IIB), 5 (IVB), and NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase, purified from rabbit lung. The isolated cells also showed a positive reaction with an antibody against the cytochrome P-450 isozyme that is active in the stereoselective metabolism of naphthalene, cytochrome P-450 mN (mN). Immunocytochemistry using the antibody against cytochrome P-450 isozyme 6 (IA1), purified from rabbit lung, showed no reaction in the isolated cells. The presence of intact cytochrome P-450 protein was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blots of homogenates of isolated cell preparations. The N-demethylation of benzphetamine and epoxidation of naphthalene occurred at easily measurable rates in incubations of isolated Clara cells. In contrast, diols, quinones, and monohydroxylated benzo(a)pyrene metabolites, analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography, were undetectable in extracts of Clara cells incubated with 3H-labeled substrate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Role of lipoproteins transporting lipophilic xenobiotics in the induction of microsomal monooxygenases

We studied the effects of lipopolysaccharide on activity of liver microsomal enzymes against the background of xenobiotics treatment. Against the background of lipopolysaccharide stimulation of macrophages we observed in vivo activation of cytochromes P-450 1A subfamily in liver microsomes with Arochlor 1254, but not induction of cytochrome P-450 2B subfamily with phenobarbital.     

The immunocytochemical detection of cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase in the lungs of fetal, neonatal, and adult hamsters

Antibodies against rabbit cytochrome P-450 reductase (reductase), cytochrome P-450 isozyme 2 (P-450 IIB), and cytochrome P-450 isozyme 5 (P-450 IVB) were used to detect homologous enzymes in the developing lung of the Syrian golden hamster. No immunocytochemical labeling was observed on gestational days 11, 12, and 13. On gestational day 14, light immunoperoxidase labeling for reductase and P-450 IIB was observed over cells lining the trachea and cranial portions of lobar bronchi. On gestational day 15, these enzymes were detected in conducting airways at all anatomic levels, and in the media of the pulmonary vein and its branches. Light labeling for P-450 IVB was first observed over cells lining the trachea and lobar bronchi on gestational day 15, but the smallest bronchioles and the media and endothelium of the pulmonary vein did not label for this enzyme until gestational day 16 (neonatal day 1). Type II pneumocytes and the pleural mesothelium first labeled for each of the three enzymes on neonatal day 1. Although the mesothelium no longer labeled for reductase or P-450 IIB in hamsters 3.5 wk old, the other labeling sites persisted in adult hamsters. Because cytochrome P-450 enzymes are associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, an ultrastructural examination of differentiating secretory cells was made to detect its appearance. At each conducting airway level, smooth endoplasmic reticulum was present in the cells 2 d before cytochrome P-450 enzymes could be detected immunocytochemically. The appearance of these enzymes paralleled the development of the hamster lung; they were first present in the trachea and lobar bronchi, then in the bronchioles, and finally in the alveoli.     

The influence of age on the inducibility of rat liver cytochrome P450IA1 (CYPIA10 and P450IA2 (CYPIA2) mRNAs

The levels of the messenger RNAs for the cytochromes P450IA1 (CYPIA1) and P450IA2 (CYPIA2) were determined in liver cytoplasmic RNA of rats of various ages after maximal induction with either 3-methylcholanthrene or isosafrole and in untreated rats. An increase in the CYPIA1 mRNA levels was observed only after treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene, whereas both 3-methylcholanthrene and isosafrole were able to induce the levels of CYPIA2 mRNA. The study presented here shows that the maximal induction of these 2 mRNAs did not change with age when 3-methylcholanthrene was used as the inducing agent. Isosafrole induction did not yield higher CYPIA1 mRNA levels in young rats but reduced the amount of this mRNA in old animals to levels below the detection limit of our assay. After induction with isosafrole the levels of the CYPIA2 mRNAs in the older age groups were lower than those observed in young rats. It is concluded that with age the responsiveness to cytochrome P450 inducers may change. This change is different for the various cytochrome P450 enzymes and depends on which inducer is used.     

Phenotyping cytochromes P450 with monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to cytochrome P-450 isozymes can be used to phenotype tissues for epitope-specific cytochrome P-450 content. MAbs that inhibit specific cytochrome P-450 dependent drug or carcinogen reactions are useful tools for quantitative measurement of the individual or classes of cytochromes P-450 that catalyze these reactions. This method has been applied successfully to animal as well as human tissues. Radioimmunoassays based on MAbs have been developed and provide a rapid and efficient means for detecting cytochromes P-450 independent of functional enzyme activity. In addition, MAbs coupled to a Sepharose support can be used to immunopurify cytochromes P-450 in a procedure that is more rapid and efficient than conventional purification schemes. MAbs add a new dimension to analyses of cytochrome P-450 multiplicity and will find numerous applications in elucidation of the relationship between cytochrome P-450 phenotype and carcinogen or drug metabolism.     

Metabolic basis for the pulmonary Clara cell as a target for pulmonary carcinogenesis

The furan compound, 4-ipomeanol, is activated in lung tissue by cytochrome P-450 dependent oxidation to a highly reactive, electrophilic product that binds covalently to tissue macromolecules. Although the reactive metabolite(s) of 4-ipomeanol have not yet been definitively identified, recent studies with 3-methylfuran have indicated that a highly reactive, unsaturated dialdehyde is formed from microsomal oxidation and ring-opening of the furan nucleus. Metabolic experiments with 4-ipomeanol in intact lungs, lung slices, lung cells, lung microsomes and purified lung cytochromes P-450, supported the conclusion that the Clara cell is an important locus of cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase activity in lung. In vivo, 4-ipomeanol was bound covalently and caused necrosis preferentially in the pulmonary Clara cells of laboratory animals. Similarly, N-nitrosamines require metabolic activation mediated by the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system in the host organism. A number of nitrosamines which are lung carcinogens in rats and hamsters have been shown to bind preferentially to bronchial and bronchiolar Clara cells in these species. Early pathological changes occurred specifically in Clara cells and lung tumors that developed under continuous nitrosamine treatment originated from such altered Clara cells. The well-differentiated counterparts of these tumors clearly retained their ability to bind the nitrosamine that had induced their formation. Thus, the studies on these two different classes of compounds together supported the view that metabolism may be a factor critical to the progenitor role of the Clara cell in chemically-induced bronchogenic lung cancer.     

Effect of oxygen limitation on the content of n-hexadecane-inducible cytochrome P-450 in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus strain EB 104

The content of cytochrome P-450 as a function of oxygen supply was studied during growth of Acinetobacter on n-hexadecane in batch cultures at constant pH and agitation. The rate of growth and the content of cytochrome P-450 were not affected as long as the dissolved oxygen tension ranged above 3 to 5% of saturation. The amount of cytochrome P-450 increased when the oxygen tension declined to zero. Cytochrome P-450 levels of about 0.3 to 0.4 nmol/mg protein, i.e. a more than a threefold increase, were observed under conditions where oxygen supply was strictly limited and allowed to maintain only a minimum of metabolism or growth. Limited oxygen supply exerted a special effect on the induction of the cytochrome P-450 as concluded from an increasing ratio between cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome o, and from the absence of cytochrome d in cells with elevated content of cytochrome P-450. The increased formation of cytochrome P-450 was a reversible process.     

Enzym-Induktion in der Hefe Lodderomyces in Gegenwart von n-Alkanen

The utilization of n-alkanes is connected with extensive modifications of the yeast cell, especially of the cytochrome P-450-containing membrane. Beside the cytochrome P-450 the NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase, the cytochrome b₅, long-chain alcohol and long-chain aldehyde dehydrogenases are induced. The activity of the alkane-hydroxylating enzyme system grows more than the concentration of its terminal oxidase. The induction of the cytochrome P-450 is inhibited by cycloheximide. A low concentration of oxygen in the culture medium amplifies the induction both of the alkane-hydroxylating enzyme system and of catalase and cytochrome oxidase, which are localized in the peroxisomes and mitochondria, respectively.     

Hepatotoxicity of vinyl chloride and 1,1-dichloroethylene. Role of mixed function oxidase system.

Vinyl chloride, an occupational carcinogen, produces acute liver injury in rats pretreated with phenobarbital or Aroclor 1254. Injury appears related to morphologic changes in the endoplasmic reticulum. The degree of injury, as indicated by elevation of serum enzymes derived from the liver, correlates with the magnitude of induction of cytochrome P-450 and its reduction by NADPH. Hepatic injury following 1,1-dichloroethylene exposure differs strikingly from that caused by vinyl chloride and appears to involve plasma membranes, mitochondria, and chromatin and spares endoplasmic reticulum. Induction of cytochrome P-450 appears to protect against 1,1-dichloroethylene but not vinyl chloride.     

Mutagenicity of 3-chlorodibenzofuran and its metabolic activation

3-Chlorodibenzofuran was the only markedly mutagenic isomer among the four monochlorodibenzofurans. Although it was mutagenic even in the absence of 9,000g supernatant fraction (S9) of rat liver, it was further activated by the addition of S9. Metabolic activation of this compound in mutagenicity was studied using liver S9s and cell fractions which were prepared from rats treated with two inducers. 1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) was used as an inducer of phenobarbital inducible cytochrome P-450, and beta-naphthoflavone (beta NF) was used as an inducer of 3-methylcholanthrene inducible cytochrome P-448. S9, microsomal, mitochondrial, and cytosolic fractions were obtained from four groups of rats, i.e., untreated, DDE treated, beta NF treated, and DDE and beta NF treated groups. Mutagenicity was tested using Salmonella typhimurium tester strain TA98, because this strain is more sensitive to 3-chlorodibenzofuran than strain TA100. This experiment showed that 3-chlorodibenzofuran was activated most highly by beta NF-induced microsomes. However, it was also activated by the cytosolic fraction. Moreover, it was highly activated in rat livers which were not treated with inducers. The activity of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) of each fraction was measured. AHH did not always become an index of the metabolic activation of 3-chlorodibenzofuran. This study showed that 3-chlorodibenzofuran is activated not only by cytochrome P-448, which is induced by 3-methylcholanthrene type inducers, but also by the enzymes existing in normal rat liver. This result suggests a risk of manifestation of its toxicity to normal animals.     

Effect of PSK, a protein-bound polysaccharide from Coriolus versicolor, on drug-metabolizing enzymes in sarcoma-180 bearing and normal mice

The effects of PSK and Propionibacterium acnes (anaerobic Corynebacterium) on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes were studied using sarcoma-180 bearing and non-tumor bearing mice. PSK had no influence on aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase activities, cytochrome P-450 concentration in hepatic microsomes, and the reductase activity of cytochrome c in normal mice. The content of cytochrome P-450 was not significantly reduced in S-180 bearing mice. On the other hand, P. acnes administration significantly decreased the amount of cytochromes P-450 and b5 and aminopyrine N-demethylase activity. When FT-207 (Tegafur) was administered orally to S-180 bearing mice combined with the immunoadjuvants, only P. acnes significantly reduced the 5-FU levels in the serum and some organs.     

Protective effect of interferon inducers against hyperoxic pulmonary damage

Interferon inducers, poly I:poly C, endotoxin, hepatic RNA, and Tilorone, were administered to rats at different time points in relation to the onset of hyperoxic exposure (O2 greater than 97%). All interferon inducers tested significantly reduced the mortality of rats when compared with the control groups. In hyperoxia alone, malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, was significantly increased and the microsomal enzyme NADPH cytochrome c reductase decreased as measured in the whole lung. With the administration of either endotoxin or poly I:poly C these two parameters remained within the range of control values. These data suggest that the administration of interferon inducers protects against hyperoxic microsomal damage. After the administration of these interferon inducers with or without hyperoxia the increased activity of heme oxygenase and marked reduction of the heme content of microsomes were demonstrated. Since cytochrome P-450 and b5 are the major hemoproteins of microsomes and the known source of oxygen-free radical generation, the results obtained in this study appear to indicate that the depression of the hemoprotein of microsomes by the administration of interferon inducers may be largely responsible for the protective effects of these agents against hyperoxia.     

Correlations between embryotoxic and genotoxic effects of phenytoin in mice

The anticonvulsant drug phenytoin (DPH) has been suspected to produce embryotoxicity through an arene oxide intermediate. This drug was also found to be a genotoxic agent. These hypotheses were tested in pregnant mice modulating the phases I and II metabolizing enzymes. DPH was studied by assessing embryotoxicity, teratogenicity, and genotoxicity, the latter by the micronucleus test on the polychromatic erythrocytes of dams and fetuses. DPH embryotoxicity was potentiated by inhibiting both cytochrome P-450 and epoxide hydrase and decreased by inducing cytochrome P-450. Equivocal results were obtained by modulating cytochrome P-448. The main DPH metabolite, p-hydroxyphenytoin (HPPH), was ineffective both per se and after cytochrome induction or epoxide hydrase inhibition. DPH did not exert genotoxicity on the maternal organism, no matter which modulating agent was used. In the fetus, however, weak genotoxic effects were observed. These effects significantly increased with inhibition of epoxide hydrase; they disappeared with induction of both cytochromes P-448 and P-450 or with inhibition of the latter. No genotoxicity was exerted by HPPH, even when the enzymatic pattern was modulated. It is concluded that the major role in DPH embryotoxicity is played by the unchanged drug, while the presence of the arene oxide is determinant for genotoxic effects.     

Inhibition of enzymes of drug metabolism in rat liver by ultrasound and correction by heparin.

After 6 days following the local effect (during operation) of ultrasound (2 Wt/cm2, 1 min) the microsomal fraction showed decreased total content of cytochromes P-450 (P-450), rate of NADPH oxidation, activity of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and P450 IIE1 (aniline as substrate) by 40, 28, 16 and 42 %, respectively. In addition, after 12 days the activities of P450 IIIA1 (ethylmorphine as substrate) and cytosolic sulphobromophthalein glutathione transferase (SBPh-GT) were decreased by 59 and 26 %. The administration of heparin (intramuscularly, 250 ED/kg, in a day, 3 and 6 times) exerted a normalizing effect. The P450 concentration, NADPH oxidation rate and P450 IIB1 activity (amidopyrine as substrate), IIE1 and IIIA1, SBPh-GT and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-GT in microsomes and cytosol exceeded the corresponding values in untreated animals by 31, 40, 68, 224, 68, 42, 24 and 36 %. The administration of heparin to control animals (intramuscularly, 250 and 500 mg/kg, in a day, 5 times) essentially unaffected both the monooxygenase, glucuro- and glutathione-conjugating systems and the elimination of antipyrine (substrate of preferably P-450 IA2) and SBPh (substrate of GT) from rat blood plasma. The experimental results provide evidence for a possible role of endogenous heparin in maintaing the optimal level of the activities of the enzyme systems of xenobiotics microsomal oxidation and conjugation in liver injury. One of the most important functions of the liver is its ability to execute biotransformation of a wide range of xenobiotics and some endogenous substances [1]. The activities of the enzyme systems catalyzing these reactions are under a sophisticated regulatory control. Among the natural factors capable of changing the function of enzymes involved in the xenobiotic biotransformation are vitamins [2], phospholipids [3], hormones [4] and many others. We studied the effect of heparin on the activities of the monooxygenase, glucuro- and glutathione transferase systems of the intact and ultrasound-treated rat liver. The significance of this study consists in the elucidation of a putative participation of heparin in the control of the activities of the enzyme system of xenobiotic biotransformation in the intact liver and under membranous pathology of the organ.     

Carbon tetrachloride-induced changes in mixed function oxidases and microsomal cytochromes in the rat lung.

The effects of a single exposure, by gastric intubation or inhalation, to carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) on rat lungs were assessed. By 1 to 7 days, focal areas of alveolar collapse, septal edema, and modification of type II pneumonocytes were observed. By 24 hours after exposure to the toxin, there were no identifiable changes in surfactant levels or distribution. Microsomes obtained from the lungs and prepared for analysis revealed marked decreases in cytochrome P-450 content and P-450-related N-demethylation of dimethylaniline. Only a transient reduction of cytochrome b5 occurred, with a rebound exceeding control values during the period of pulmonary healing. Whether the lung acted as an excretory route (following intubation) or as an absorption path (after inhalation) made little difference. Carbon tetrachloride had no effect on in vitro microsome composition and function unless supplemented with a reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) generating system. Under these circumstances, there was a reduction in both cytochromes b5 and P-450. Our data indicate that a considerable chemical modification of the pulmonary tissues had taken place, with no accompanying easily recognized changes in cellular structure. Furthermore, evidence for the in vitro destruction of pulmonary microsomal cytochromes P-450 and b5, unrelated to peroxidation, is indicated by these findings.     

The effect of age on antipyrine metabolism by liver microsomes isolated from phenobarbital-treated rats

A study was performed to test the hypothesis that ageing influences the activities of diverse forms or populations of cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes in different ways. The formation of antipyrine metabolites in induced rats is mediated by such different forms or populations of cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes. To test the hypothesis, the formation rates of antipyrine metabolites by liver microsomes isolated from phenobarbital-treated rats of different ages was determined. After phenobarbital induction in vitro, the maximal velocity for norantipyrine formation decreased from 12 to 24 months and then showed a tendency to increase with age. Hydroxymethylantipyrine formation did not change with age. 4-Hydroxyantipyrine increased between 3 and 12 months and remained constant afterwards. This is in agreement with data obtained in vivo in uninduced male BN/BiRij rats. It can be concluded that age does indeed influence the activities of different forms or populations of the cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes in different ways. Consequently, determining the overall clearance of antipyrine, which is metabolized by several isoenzymes, especially in the induced situation, is not to be recommended for measuring the activity of cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes as a function of age.     

Halonal is a phenobarbital inductor of the monooxygenase system

Experiments on rats demonstrated induction of the hepatic monooxygenase system with halonal. The effects of halonal and phenobarbital on the contents of cytochrome P-450 and its isoform P-450b+e and on the rate of substrate metabolism were similar. This suggests that enzyme-inducing activity of halonal is determined by the effect of its major metabolite. It cannot be excluded that halonal molecules possess intrinsic enzyme-inducing activity.     

Effects of dimephosphone,xydiphone, and ionol on the content and activities of rat liver cytochromes P-450 during long-term treatment with phenobarbital

Effects of dimephosphone, xydiphone, and ionol administered in parallel with phenobarbital on the content of cytochromes P-450 in rat liver and on the rate of C-hydroxylation of diazepam, haloperidol, and prednisolone by rat liver microsomal enzymes were studied in vitro. Dimephosphone, xydiphone, and ionol exhibited similar inductive effects on C-hydroxylation reactions in the CYP P-450 system during treatment with phenobarbital. Xydiphone and ionol in a dose of 1 mmol/kg canceled phenobarbital-induced increase in P-450 cytochrome content in rat liver. Sex-dependent cytochromes P-450 are involved in the prednisolone and haloperidol C-hydroxylation reactions in rats.Translated from Byulleten Eksperimentalnoi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 138, No. 10, pp. 442–455, October, 2004     

Immunohistochemical studies of steroidogenic enzymes (aromatase, 17 alpha-hydroxylase and cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochromes P-450) in sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary

Aromatase, 17 alpha-hydroxylase, and cholesterol side-chain cleavage P-450 cytochromes (P-450AROM, P-450(17 alpha,) and P-450SCC, respectively) were immunohistochemically localized in nine granulosa cell tumors, 15 thecomas, ten Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors, two steroid cell tumors, five fibromas, and five sclerosing stromal tumors. In the thecomas, P-450SCC and P-450(17 alpha) were positive in luteinized theca cells and in cells with vacuolated cytoplasm, while P-450AROM was not observed. In the steroid cell tumors, all the P-450 cytochromes were intensely stained. P-450SCC and P-450(17 alpha) were present in cells with vacuolated cytoplasm in two cases of sclerosing stromal tumor. P-450AROM was weakly demonstrated in one of the granulosa cell tumors. P-450(17 alpha,) P-450SCC, and P-450AROM were all faintly stained in the Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. No P-450 cytochrome immunoreactivity was observed in any fibroma.     

Effect of traditional Chinese herbal medicines on the pharmacokinetics of western drugs in Sprague-Dawley rats of different ages (II): Aminophylline-huan shao tan and aminophylline-pu chung yi chi tang.

The effect of Chinese herbal medicines (Huan Shao Tan and Pu Chung Yi Chi Tang) and western drugs (sodium phenobarbital and cimetidine) on the serum concentration and pharmacokinetic parameters of theophylline and cytochrome P-450 of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats of three different ages were examined. The older rats without pretreatment with Chinese herbal medicines and western drugs exhibited higher serum theophylline concentration and lower pharmacokinetic parameters of theophylline than middle-aged and younger rats (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in cytochrome P-450 activity among the three different ages of rats. All rats when pretreated with sodium phenobarbital showed lower serum theophylline concentration and higher pharmacokinetics parameters of theophylline. Also, the activity of cytochrome P-450 was higher (P < 0.05). When cimetidine was pre-administered in SD rats of three age groups, all rats exhibited lower serum theophylline concentration and higher pharmacokinetics parameters (P < 0.05), but the activity of cytochrome P-450 remained unchanged (P > 0.05). The results were opposite to other studies, probably because the dose and dosing intervals were different. No single effect occurred on the younger and middle-aged rats after pretreatment with Huan Shao Tan and Pu Chung Yi Chi Tang: their serum theophylline concentration, pharmacokinetics parameters and cytochrome P-450 activity were the same as the control group. However, the older rats after pretreatment with Huan Shao Tan or Pu Chung Yi Chi Tang showed lower serum theophylline concentration and higher pharmacokinetics parameters than the younger and middle-aged rats pretreated with similar Chinese herbal medicines. This indicates that Huan Shao Tan and Pu Chung Yi Chi Tang may perhaps improve the elimination of theophylline in older rats. This might be attributed to the increase in hepatic blood flow or in liver volume, since the activity of cytochrome P-450 was not affected by the administration of Chinese herbal medicines.