Differential responses of mouse UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and beta-glucuronidase to disulfiram and related compounds

Studies on the induction of non-oxygenative detoxication enzymes in mice by anticarcinogenic thionosulfur compounds have been extended to include hepatic and pulmonary UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. Dietary administration of disulfiram and of bisethylxanthogen to female CD-1 mice enhanced microsomal glucuronidation of 4-methylumbelliferone, a characteristic GT1 substrate, and of 4-hydroxybiphenyl, a GT2 substrate. Latency of the activity toward 4-methylumbelliferone was not affected appreciably. Disulfiram also enhanced glucuronidation of 4-nitrophenol. Diethyldithiocarbamate was ineffective under the conditions used. These thionosulfur compounds caused no significant change in beta-glucuronidase activity measured in homogenates of 7 organs.