Diazepam metabolism by multiple forms of cytochrome P-450 in rat liver microsomes

The synthesis of pharmacologically active diazepam metabolites (oxazepam, 4-hydroxydiazepam, N-demethyldiazepam) in liver microsomes of intact and phenobarbital-, 3-methylcholanthrene- and dexamethasone-induced male and female Wistar rats as well as in a reconstituted system with isolated forms of cytochrome P-450 (P-450a, P-450b, P-450c, P-450d and P-450k according to the Ryan nomenclature) was studied. Marked sex-dependent differences in the rates of diazepam metabolism in liver microsomes of intact and induced animals were revealed. The changes in the spectrum of diazepam metabolites in liver microsomes of induced rats (as compared to control animals) were revealed. In a reconstituted system only phenobarbital-induced cytochromes P-450b and P-450k were found to be active participants of diazepam N-demethylation; none of the isoenzymes tested were shown to be involved in diazepam hydroxylation.     

Regulation of three forms of cytochrome P-450 and epoxide hydrolase in rat liver microsomes. Effects of age, sex, and induction

A procedure for the preparation of monospecific antibody directed against rat liver microsomal cytochrome P-45-a is described. This antibody, together with monospecific antibodies to cytochromes P-450b and P-450c, has been used to show that these three forms of cytochrome P-450 are distinct and share no common antigenic determinants. These antibodies (a) give single immunoprecipitin bands with detergent-solubilized microsomes; (b) do not cross-react with the purified heterologous antigens in Ouchterlony double diffusion analyses; (c) have no effect on catalytic activity of the heterologous antigens but completely inhibit the enzymatic activity of the homologous antigens; and (d) remove only the homologous antigen from detergent-solubilized microsomes when covalently bound to a solid support. With radial immunodiffusion assay, we have quantitated these three forms of cytochrome P-450 in liver microsomes after treatment of rats with seven different inducers of cytochrome P-450. The levels of these cytochrome P-450 isozymes vary independently and are also regulated by the age and sex of the animal. The antibodies have also been used to assess the contribution of cytochromes P-450a, P-450b, and P-450c in the metabolism of xenobiotics by rat liver microsomes. A large proportion of benzo(a)pyrene metabolism and testosterone 16 alpha-hydroxylation in microsomes from untreated rats is not catalyzed by cytochromes P-450a, P-450b, and P-450c. Epoxide hydrolase, another microsomal enzyme involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, was also quantitated by radial immunodiffusion after prior treatment of rats with microsomal enzyme inducers. The inductions of epoxide hydrolase varies independently of the induction of cytochromes P-450a, P-450b, and P-450c.     

The phenobarbital-type induction of rat liver microsomal monooxygenases by perfluorodecalin

Induction of perfluorodecalin (PFD) of the liver microsomal system of metabolism of xenobiotics has been studied and compared with the inductions by phenobarbital (PB) and 3-methylcholanthrene (MC). It has been shown that PFD increases the content of cytochrome P-450, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity. Like PB, PFD induces the activities of benzphetamine-N-demethylase, aldrine-epoxidase, 16 beta-androstendion-hydroxylase. Using specific antibodies against cytochromes P-450b and P-450c (which are the main isoenzymes of cytochrome P-450 in the PB- and MC-microsomes respectively), an immunological identity of the cytochrome P-450 isoforms during PFD and PB induction has been found. According to the rocket immunoelectrophoresis the content of cytochrome P-450 in PFD-microsomes, which is immunologically indistinguishable from P-450b, was approximately 70% of the total cytochrome P-450. Two forms of cytochrome P-450 were isolated from the liver microsomes of PFD-induced rats and purified to homogeneity. A comparison of these forms with cytochromes P-450b and P-450e obtained from the PB-induced rat liver microsomes revealed their similarity in a number of properties, e.g., chromotographic behavior on DEAE-Sephacel column, molecular weight determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel, immunoreactivity, peptide mapping, catalytic activity. The data presented demonstrate that PFD induced in rat liver microsomes the cytochrome P-450 forms whose immunological properties and substrate specificity correspond to those of the PB-type cytochrome P-450. These findings suggest that PFD and PB, which differ in their chemical structure, induce in the rat liver microsomes identical forms of cytochrome P-450.     

Phenobarbital-type induction of cytochrome P-450 in liver microsomes by perfluorodecalin

Cytochrome P-450 induction in hepatic microsomes after injections of rats with a fluorocarbon emulsion containing perfluorodecalin was studied in comparison with phenobarbital and methylcholanthrene type inductions. It was shown that perfluorodecalin injection as well as the phenobarbital one cause an increase in the cytochrome P-450 content, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity, the rates of benzphetamine N-demethylation and aldrin epoxidation in the microsomes. Using the Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion test with antibodies against cytochrome P-450b, an immunological identity of cytochrome P-450 isoforms during perfluorodecalin and phenobarbital inductions was shown. Upon "rocket" immunoelectrophoresis the recovery of cytochrome P-450 which is immunologically indistinguishable from cytochrome P-450b was approximately 72% in perfluorodecalin-induced microsomes. The activity of benzphetamine demethylase and aldrin epoxidase was inhibited by antibodies against cytochrome P-450b. These results suggest that in rat hepatic microsomes perfluorodecalin induces the cytochrome P-450 isoform whose immunological properties and substrate specificity correspond to those of phenobarbital-type cytochrome P-450.     

Identification of the forms of cytochrome P-450 induced in rat liver by 2-acetylaminofluorene using immunoblotting and partial purification

The amounts of 5 different forms of cytochrome P-450 in liver microsomes from rats treated with 2-acetylaminofluorene were determined and compared with the corresponding patterns in microsomes from control, 3-methylcholanthrene- and phenobarbital-treated animals. 2-Acetylaminofluorene was found to increase the amount of cytochromes P-450b + e 10-fold and of cytochrome P-450d 3-fold, while there was a 54% increase in the level of cytochrome P-450 PB/PCN-E. Cytochrome P-450c was increased from a level too low to detect (less than 0.001 pmol/mg protein) to 0.019 pmol/mg protein. These findings were also confirmed by partial purification of cytochromes P-450b + e and c after 2-acetylaminofluorene treatment.     

Monoclonal antibodies distinguish among isozymes of the cytochrome P-450b subfamily

Polyclonal antibody has been shown previously to react identically with cytochromes P-450b and P-450e purified from Long Evans rats and a strain variant of cytochrome P-450b purified from Holtzman rats (P-450bH). In the present study, an array of 12 different monoclonal antibodies produced against cytochrome P-450b has been used to distinguish among these closely related phenobarbital-inducible rat hepatic cytochromes P-450. In immunoblots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, 10 monoclonal antibodies bind to cytochromes P-450b, P-450e, and P-450bH; one monoclonal antibody (B50) recognizes cytochromes P-450b and P-450bH but not cytochrome P-450e; and one monoclonal antibody (B51) is specific for cytochrome P-450b. In addition, one monoclonal antibody (BEF29) reacts strongly with cytochrome P-450f, and another antibody (BEA33) reacts weakly with cytochrome P-450a. No cross-reactions with cytochromes P-450c, P-450d, and P-450g-P-450j were detected with any of the monoclonal antibodies in these assays. Six spatially distinct epitopes on cytochrome P-450b were identified, and differences in antibody reactivity provided evidence for three additional overlapping epitopes. Several monoclonal antibodies are potent inhibitors of testosterone and benzphetamine metabolism supported by cytochrome P-450b in a reconstituted system. B50 and BE52 do not inhibit metabolism of the two substrates by microsomes from untreated rats, but inhibit benzphetamine N-demethylation and testosterone metabolism to 16 alpha- and 16 beta-hydroxytestosterone as well as androstenedione formation 67-94% by microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats. No other pathways of testosterone metabolism are inhibited by these monoclonal antibodies. The differential inhibition of microsomal metabolism of benzphetamine and testosterone by these monoclonal antibodies is a reflection of the content and inducibility of cytochromes P-450b and P-450e as well as other cytochrome P-450 isozymes.     

Oxidation of uroporphyrinogen by methylcholanthrene-induced cytochrome P-450. Essential role of cytochrome P-450d.

We have previously shown that uroporphyrinogen is oxidized to uroporphyrin by microsomes (microsomal fractions) from 3-methylcholanthrene-pretreated chick embryo liver [Sinclair, Lambrecht & Sinclair (1987) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 146, 1324-1329]. We report here that a specific antibody to chick liver methylcholanthrene-induced cytochrome P-450 (P-450) inhibited both uroporphyrinogen oxidation and ethoxyresorufin O-de-ethylation in chick-embryo liver microsomes. 3-Methylcholanthrene-pretreatment of rats and mice markedly increased uroporphyrinogen oxidation in hepatic microsomes as well as P-450-mediated ethoxyresorufin de-ethylation. In rodent microsomes, uroporphyrinogen oxidation required the addition of NADPH, whereas chick liver microsomes required both NADPH and 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl. Treatment of rats with methylcholanthrene, hexachlorobenzene and o-aminoazotoluene increased uroporphyrinogen oxidation and P-450d, whereas phenobarbital did not increase either. The contribution of hepatic P-450c and P-450d to uroporphyrinogen oxidation and ethoxyresorufin O-de-ethylation in methylcholanthrene-induced microsomes was assessed by using specific antibodies to P-450c and P-450d. Uroporphyrinogen oxidation by methylcholanthrene-induced rat liver microsomes was inhibited up to 75% by specific antibodies to P-450d, but not by specific antibodies to P-450c. In contrast, ethoxyresorufin de-ethylation was inhibited only 20% by anti-P450d but 70% by anti-P450c. Methylcholanthrene-induced kidney microsomes which contain P-450c but non P-450d did not oxidize uroporphyrinogen. These data indicate that hepatic P-450d catalyses uroporphyrinogen oxidation. We suggest that the P-450d-catalysed oxidation of uroporphyrinogen has a role in the uroporphyria caused by hexachlorobenzene and other compounds.     

Induction and catalytic activities of cytochromes P-450b/e and P-450c in the liver microsomes of neonatal rats

The activities of cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases has been investigated in the liver microsomes of newborn rats (3-16 days after birth) induced with PB or 3-MC. It has been shown that the induction by PB and 3-MC results in the increase of both the total amount of cytochrome P-450 as determined by the CO-reduced spectrum and the amount of induced forms P-450b/e and P-450c respectively. In the course of induction of the specific forms of cytochrome P-450 BP-hydroxylase and 7-ER-O-deethylase activities increased at 3-MC-induction, while BPh-N-demethylase and BP-hydroxylase increased at PB-induction. Analysis of inhibition of monooxygenase reactions with antibodies has showed that only P-450c was involved in metabolism of BP and 7-ER. Participation of P-450b/e in BPh N-demethylation was notably lower in the neonates in comparison to the adult rats. In the one-week-old rats induced with 3-MC a considerable rate of BP hydroxylation and 7-ER O-deethylation (2-4.5 nmol of product min-1 mg-1) has been observed despite a small amount of P-450 (0.02-0.1 nmol/mg of protein). This fact shows the higher catalytic activity of this cytochrome P-450 in the neonates compared to similar characteristics of P-450c in the 3-MC-induced microsomes. Metabolism of BP in the PB-microsomes of the neonatal rats was inhibited neither by anti-P-450b/e nor anti-P-450c in contrast to the adults, where this reaction was inhibited by antibodies against P-450b/e.     

Induction of cytochrome P-450 forms in liver microsomes of rats in the early neonatal period after administration of phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene

The activity of cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenase system from rat liver microsomes after induction by phenobarbital and 3-methylcholantrene in early neonatal period (3-16 days after birth) was studied. It was found that the total amount of cytochrome P-450 increases after injection of these inducers in neonatal rats of all age groups. In parallel, in the case of 3-methylcholantrene induction the benz(a)pyrene hydroxylase and 7-ethoxyresorufin deethylase activities increase; phenobarbital induction causes a rise in the benzphetamine-N-demethylase and benz(a)pyrene hydroxylase activities. Immunochemical analysis involving the use of antibodies specifically directed against cytochrome P-450 of adult rats revealed that the level of cytochrome P-450 in the case of 3-methylcholantrene induction increases from 5 to 50%, whereas that of cytochrome P-450 upon phenobarbital induction increases from 5 to 40% in liver microsomes of 3- and 16-day-old rats. The mode of inhibition of various substrates metabolism by antibodies in neonatal rat microsomes suggests that the 3-methylcholantrene-induced cytochrome P-448, like in adult rats, participates in the hydroxylation of benz(a)pyrene and O-deethylation of 7-etoxyresorufin. The participation of phenobarbital-induced cytochrome P-450 in the metabolism of benzphetamine and aldrin in neonatal rats is much lower than in the adult ones. The metabolism of benz(a)pyrene in phenobarbital-induced neonatal rat microsomes in all age groups is not inhibited by antibodies. The age-dependent differences in inhibition of metabolism and the increase in the benz(a)pyrene hydroxylase activity in phenobarbital-induced rats suggest that the spectrum of inducible forms of cytochrome P-450 in neonatal rats differ from that in adult animals.     

Identification of molecular forms of cytochrome P-450 isolated from liver microsomes of rats induced with phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene

Eight electrophoretically homogeneous forms of cytochrome P-450 were isolated from liver microsomes of phenobarbital (PB)- and 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)-induced male Wistar rats, using chromatography on 1.8-diaminooctyl-Sepharose, SEAE-Sephacel and hydroxylapatite. These cytochrome forms were compared to those described in literature in terms of their ability to metabolize androstenedione (AD), benzphetamine (BP) and 7-ethoxyresorufin (7-ER). Cytochrome P-450b capable of catalyzing with a high specificity the 16-hydroxylation of AD and N-demethylation of BP, and cytochrome P-450e immunologically related to P-450b but incapable of catalyzing these reactions were isolated from PB-microsomes. Besides, a male-specific cytochrome P-450h catalyzing the 16 alpha-hydroxylation of AD was isolated from PB-microsomes. Cytochrome P-450c possessing a high 7-ER-O-deethylase activity, and a high spin cytochrome P-450d as well as cytochrome P-450a specifically catalyzing the 7 alpha-oxidation of AD were isolated from MC-microsomes. Two forms of cytochrome P-450 isolated from PB-microsomes possessed no such activities. Data from immunochemical analysis suggest that one of these forms can be identified as cytochrome P-450k. It is concluded that the specificity of metabolism and the molecular activity of Wistar rat liver cytochrome P-450 forms are comparable with the corresponding parameters of hemoproteins isolated from other rat species. At the same time, data from metabolic analysis are suggestive of differences in the levels of certain cytochrome P-450 forms, in particular P-450a.     

Use of monoclonal antibody probes against rat hepatic cytochromes P-450c and P-450d to detect immunochemically related isozymes in liver microsomes from different species

Nine distinct monoclonal antibodies raised against purified rat liver cytochrome P-450c react with six different epitopes on the antigen, and one of these epitopes is shared by cytochrome P-450d. None of these monoclonal antibodies recognize seven other purified rat liver isozymes (cytochromes P-450a, b, and e-i) or other proteins in the cytochrome P-450 region of "Western blots" of liver microsomes. Each of the monoclonal antibodies was used to probe "Western blots" of liver microsomes from untreated, or 3-methylcholanthrene-, or isosafrole-treated animals to determine if laboratory animals other than rats possess isozymes immunochemically related to cytochromes P-450c and P-450d. Two protein-staining bands immunorelated to cytochromes P-450c and P-450d were observed in all animals treated with 3-methylcholanthrene (rabbit, hamster, guinea pig, and C57BL/6J mouse) except the DBA/2J mouse, where no polypeptide immunorelated to cytochrome P-450c was detected. The conservation of the number of rat cytochrome P-450c epitopes among these species varied from as few as two (guinea pig) to as many as five epitopes (C57BL/6J mouse and rabbit). The relative mobility in sodium dodecyl sulfate-gels of polypeptides immunorelated to cytochromes P-450c and P-450d was similar in all species examined except the guinea pig, where the polypeptide related to cytochrome P-450c had a smaller Mr than cytochrome P-450d. With the use of both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, we were able to establish that purified rabbit cytochromes P-450 LM4 and P-450 LM6 are immunorelated to rat cytochromes P-450d and P-450c, respectively.     

An immunochemical analysis of the induction of cytochrome P-450 isoforms in the liver of fresh-water fishes by 3-methylcholanthrene, beta-naphthoflavone and aroclor 1254

The cytochrome P-450 isoforms have been studied in liver microsomes of some fish species from Lake Baikal. Using the inhibitory analysis of microsomal monooxygenase activities carried out by the specific polyclonal antibodies it has been shown that 3-methylcholanthrene, beta-naphthoflavone and arochlor 1254 induce isoforms immunologically related to cytochrome P-488c but not to the rat cytochrome P-450b in fish liver microsomes. The immunologic identity in isoforms of fish and rat cytochromes induced by methylcholanthrene has not been revealed. A possibility to use the method of the inhibitory analysis of fish microsomal activities by specific antibodies to the rat cytochrome P-450 isoforms for biomonitoring and biotesting of polycyclic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in aquatic systems is discussed.     

The level and activity of molecular forms of monooxygenase P-450b and P-450c during their separate and consecutive induction in the liver

Studies with monospecific antibodies to individual forms of monooxygenases P-450b (phenobarbital-induced) and P-450c (3-methylcholanthrene-induced) by immunochemical, kinetic and spectral methods revealed differences in the dynamics of xenobiotic-induced changes in the content and monooxygenase activity of the total microsomal CO-binding hemoprotein and of its molecular forms. Correction was made in the estimation of the benzphetamine-demethylase and benzpyrene-hydroxylase activities based on the content of specific forms of P-450b and P-450c. Since consecutive injection of phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene (or vice versa) is accompanied by selective induction of the corresponding isoforms and the redistribution of the relative content of P-450b and P-450c in the total pool of cytochrome P-450 in rat liver microsomes, a conclusion was drawn that these molecular forms are induced by different populations of hepatocytes. This conclusion was confirmed by data from immunohistochemical analysis.     

Aflatoxin B1 metabolism by 3-methylcholanthrene-induced hamster hepatic cytochrome P-450s

We have studied the activation of aflatoxin B1 by hamster liver microsomes and purified hamster cytochrome P-450 isozymes using a umu mutagen test. The hamster liver microsomes or S-9 fractions were much more active than rat liver microsomes or S-9 fractions in the activation of umu gene expression by aflatoxin B1 metabolites. 3-Methyl-cholanthrene treatment increased aflatoxin B1 activation by hamster liver microsomes. Two major 3-methylcholanthrene-inducible cytochrome P-450 isozymes, P-450 MC1 (IIA) and P-450 MC4 (IA2), were purified from 3-methylcholanthrene-treated hamster liver microsomes, and the metabolism of aflatoxin B1 by these two cytochromes was studied. In the reconstituted enzyme system, both P-450 MC1 and P-450 MC4 were highly active in the activation of aflatoxin B1, and antibodies against these P-450s specifically inhibited these activities. Antibody against P-450 MC1 inhibited the activation of aflatoxin B1 by 20% in the presence of 3-methyl-cholanthrene-treated hamster liver microsomes. In contrast, antibody against P-450 MC4 stimulated the activity by 175%. These results indicated that hamster P-450 MC1 might convert aflatoxin B1 to more toxic metabolite(s), whereas P-450 MC4 might convert aflatoxin B1 to less toxic metabolite(s), than aflatoxin B1 in liver microsomes. The metabolite(s) produced by both hamster cytochrome P-450 MC1 and MC4 were genotoxic in the umu mutagen test.     

Induction of the phenobarbital form of cytochrome P-450 by chemically unrelated compounds

The induction of the phenobarbital form of cytochrome P-450 by xenobiotics (phenobarbital, PB, hexachlorobenzene, HCB; hexachlorocyclohexane. HCCH, and aroclor 1016, Ar) was studied. It was demonstrated that administration of these compounds to animals is accompanied by an increase in the total cytochrome P-450, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, benzphetamine-N-demethylase and aldrin-epoxidase activities. Using monospecific antibodies against the cytochrome P-450 form isolated from PB-induced microsomes (PB-cytochrome P-450), a double immunodiffusion test revealed immunological identity of cytochrome P-450 forms induced by phenobarbital and other xenobiotics. The content of this form determined by rocket immunoelectrophoresis increased markedly and made up to 20-40% of the total cytochrome P-450 content. Antibodies against PB-cytochrome P-450 inhibited by 50-70% the benzphetamine-N-demethylase and aldrin-epoxidase activities, whereas the antibodies to methylcholanthrene-induced cytochrome P-450 were fairly ineffective. It was concluded that the chemically unrelated compounds induce in liver microsomes a cytochrome P-450 form, whose immunological properties and substrate specificity are close to the PB-form of cytochrome P-450.     

Immunochemical characterization of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase from Jerusalem artichoke and other higher plants.

Polyclonal antibodies were prepared against NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase purified from Jerusalem artichoke. These antibodies inhibited efficiently the NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity of the purified enzyme, as well as of Jerusalem artichoke microsomes. Likewise, microsomal NADPH-dependent cytochrome P-450 mono-oxygenases (cinnamate and laurate hydroxylases) were efficiently inhibited. The antibodies were only slightly inhibitory toward microsomal NADH-cytochrome c reductase activity, but lowered NADH-dependent cytochrome P-450 mono-oxygenase activities. The Jerusalem artichoke NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase is characterized by its high Mr (82,000) as compared with the enzyme from animals (76,000-78,000). Western blot analysis revealed cross-reactivity of the Jerusalem artichoke reductase antibodies with microsomes from plants belonging to different families (monocotyledons and dicotyledons). All of the proteins recognized by the antibodies had an Mr of approx. 82,000. No cross-reaction was observed with microsomes from rat liver or Locusta migratoria midgut. The cross-reactivity generally paralleled well the inhibition of reductase activity: the enzyme from most higher plants tested was inhibited by the antibodies; whereas Gingko biloba, Euglena gracilis, yeast, rat liver and insect midgut activities were insensitive to the antibodies. These results point to structural differences, particularly at the active site, between the reductases from higher plants and the enzymes from phylogenetically distant plants and from animals.     

Immunochemical studies on the contribution of NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase to the cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid

We have studied the role of NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase in the metabolism of arachidonic acid and in two other monooxygenase systems: aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and 7-ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase. Human liver NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase was purified to homogeneity as evidenced by its migration as a single band on SDS gel electrophoresis, having a molecular weight of 71,000 Da. Rabbits were immunized with the purified enzyme and the resulting antibodies were used to evaluate the involvement of the reductase in cytochrome P-450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism by bovine corneal epithelial and rabbit renal cortical microsomes. A highly sensitive immunoblotting method was used to identify the presence of NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase in both tissues. We used these antibodies to demonstrate for the first time the presence of cytochrome c reductase in the cornea. Anti-NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase IgG, but not anti-heme oxygenase IgG, inhibited the NADPH-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism in both renal and corneal microsomes. The inhibition was dependent on the ratio of IgG to microsomal protein where 50% inhibition of arachidonic acid conversion by cortical microsomes was achieved with a ratio of 1:1. A higher concentration of IgG was needed to achieve the same degree of inhibition in the corneal microsomes. The antibody also inhibited rabbit renal cortical 7-ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase activity, a cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme. However, the anti-NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase IgG was much less effective in inhibiting rabbit cortical aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase. Thus, the degree of inhibition of monooxygenases by anti-NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase IgG is variable. However, with respect to arachidonic acid, NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase appears to be an integral component for the electron transfer to cytochrome P-450 in the oxidation of arachidonic acid.     

Cytochrome P-450 isoforms in the liver of rats treated with phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene and Aroclor 1254 studied by monoclonal antibodies

Seven types of monoclonal antibodies to cytochrome P-450 were obtained from the rat liver. Liver microsomal samples from intact rats and those pretreated with phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene, Aroclor 1254, pregnenalone carbonitrile, beta-naphthoflavone and imidazole were stained with these antibodies using immunoblotting technique. The study made it possible to draw the following conclusions. Firstly, two types of these antibodies react with two cytochrome P-450 isoforms, P-450b and P-450 PB/PCN-E. Secondly, two types of antibodies react with three cytochrome P-450 isoforms: P-450a, P-450b and P-450PB/PCN-E. Antibodies of the latter three clones react with two cytochrome P-450 isoforms: P-450c and P-450d. Antibodies of all seven clones can be used for immunomorphological identification of cytochrome P-450 on rat liver paraffin sections.     

Comparison of cytochrome P-450 forms induced by phenobarbital and 1,4-bis[3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene in the mouse and rat liver

A form of cytochrome P-450 (P-450PB) with a molecular weight of 53.5-54.0 kD possessing a high benzphetamine-N-demethylase activity (100-120 nmol formaldehyde/min/nmol cytochrome) was isolated from liver microsomes of phenobarbital-induced C57Bl/6 mice. This cytochrome P-450 form is immunologically identical to its rat liver counterpart-P-450b (Mr = 52 kD) which is also characterized by a high rate of benzphetamine-N-demethylation. It was shown that 1.4-bis[2-(3.5-dichloropyridyloxy])benzene (TCPOBOP) induces in mouse liver the synthesis of the monoxygenase form whose substrate specificity and immunologic properties are identical to those of cytochromes P-450PB and P-450b. The immunochemically quantitated content of this form makes up to 20% of the total P-450 pool in liver microsomes of phenobarbital- or TCPOBOP-induced mice. Immunochemical analysis of microsomes with the use of antibodies to cytochromes P-450PB and P-450b revealed the presence on the electrophoregrams of phenobarbital-induced rat liver microsomes of two immunologically identical forms of cytochrome P-450, i.e., P-450b and P-450e (the latter had a low ability to benzphetamine N-demethylation). Liver microsomes of phenobarbital- or TCPOBP-induced mice gave only one precipitation band corresponding to cytochrome P-450PB.     

Induction of specific cytochrome P-450 isozymes by methylenedioxyphenyl compounds and antagonism by 3-methylcholanthrene

Two methylenedioxyphenyl compounds, isosafrole (5-propenyl-1,3-benzodioxole) and an analog, 5-t-butyl-1,3-benzodioxole (BD), differ markedly as inducers of cytochrome P-450 isozymes in rat liver microsomes. Isosafrole is a mixed-type inducer, inducing P-450b, P-450c, and P-450d. In contrast, BD is a phenobarbital-type inducer, increasing P-450b, but producing little or no increase in P-450c or P-450d. Similarly, isosafrole increases the amount of translatable mRNA for P-450b, c and d, while BD induces only the mRNA for P-450b. Dimethylation of the methylene bridge carbon of BD to give 2,2-dimethyl-5-t-butyl-1,3-benzodioxole (DBD) blocks the formation of NADPH-reduced Type III metabolite-P-450 complexes in vitro, and diminishes but does not abolish the ability of the compound to induce P-450b. Western blots of microsomes from isosafrole and BD-treated rat livers confirm that in contrast to isosafrole, BD does not induce P-450d or P-450c. However, the antibody to P-450d recognizes two new polypeptides (approximately 50K Mr) from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels of liver microsomes from BD-treated rats. These polypeptides are not observed in control, isosafrole, 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC), or DBD-treated rats. They are intensified by coadministration of 3-MC with BD and may represent either modified isozyme-metabolite adducts or degradation products of P-450d. However, the polypeptides could not be generated in vitro by addition of BD to 3-MC-induced microsomes with NADPH under conditions which produced spectral metabolite complexes, or in a reconstituted system with P-450d. The two methylenedioxyphenyl compounds do not form stable metabolite complexes with the same P-450 isozymes. BD formed distinct spectral metabolite complexes in vitro with both P-450b and P-450c but not with P-450d in a reconstituted system. In contrast, isosafrole forms metabolite complexes with all three isozymes. Coadministration of 3-MC with BD blocked induction of P-450b by 80% and produced a similar repression of its translatable mRNA. This finding indicates that 3-MC type inducers not only induce certain cytochrome P-450 isozymes, but also repress synthesis of other isozymes.