The influence of the radiation syndrome on cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenation in rat liver.

Cytochrome P-450 concentration and the monooxygenation activities of some cytochrome P-450 forms were determined in rat liver in the course of the acute radiation sickness. Ethylmorphine N-demethylation, ethoxycoumarin, ethoxyresorufin, and pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylation were used as indicator reactions. After radiation a distinct decrease in the hepatic biotransformation capacity can be observed, most pronounced at the climax of the radiation syndrome. Phenobarbital treatment (60 mg/kg b. m. at 3 consecutive days each) increases the concentration and the monooxygenase activities of some cytochrome P-450 forms. The degree of this induction effect is not altered at the third day after radiation, whereas at day 7 no significant inducibility can be observed.