Effect of acetone administered in vivo upon hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing activity in the rat

The effects of acetone administered to female rats in vivo, upon the metabolism of drugs by the hepatic microsomal subcellular fraction have been studied. There is a rapid increase, maximal at 0·5 hr in aniline p-hydroxylation of 69 per cent, and an inhibition of aminopyrine N-demethylation of 61 per cent. Thereafter levels return to control values. There is a slower increase in aniline p-hydroxylation of 168 per cent, maximal at 48 hr. whilst aminopyrine N-demethylation is unaltered. Cycloheximide has no effect upon the changes in activity after 0·5 hr but blocks the increase in aniline p-hydroxylation 48 hr after the administration of acetone. It is suggested that acetone may contribute to the changes in drug metabolizing activity found in diabetic animals.