Effect of thymectomy on zoxazolamine paralysis and metabolism in untreated and (PCN) pregnenolone-16alpha-carbonitril- or ACTH-pretreated rats.

The effect of thymectomy on zoxazolamine paralysis and metabolism was investigated in young female untreated and PCN- or ACTH-pretreated rats. Thymectomy performed at least 24 hr before injection of zoxazolamine significantly prolonges paralysis time. Pretreatment with PCN (an inducer of hepatic microsomal enzymes) or ACTH (known to alter protein binding and excretion of zoxazolamine) shortened paralysis in thymectomized animals; but only in comparison to thymus ablated controls. The surgical intervention seemed to decrease the metabolism of zoxazolamine in the 9,000g supernatant fraction of the liver.