Evidence for the induction of cytochrome P-452 in rat liver by Aroclor 1254, a commercial mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls.

We have examined the ability of a commercial mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1254) to induce hepatic cytochrome P-452-linked enzyme activities in rat and pigeon liver five days after its intraperitoneal injection. The results provide evidence that, at the doses used, Aroclor 1254 induces cytochrome P-452-linked enzyme activities in rats, but not in pigeons. This inductive effect was previously regarded as being specific for hypolipidemic drugs and phthalate ester plasticisers.