The possible absence of cytochrome P-450 linked xenobiotic metabolism in helminths.

The distribution of cytochrome P-450, b5 and associated oxidations, aniline hydroxylase, 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase and 4-nitroanisole O-demethylase were studied in the parasitic nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus, its mammalian host, Mus musculus and the free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus. Cytochrome P-450, its associated oxidations and cytochrome b5 could not be detected in whole homogenates or subcellular fractions (mitochondrial, microsomal and soluble fractions) of either nematode under a variety of assay conditions which included attempted induction with sodium phenobarbital. P. redivivus was able to reduce 1,2-dimethyl-4-(4-carboxyphenylazo)-5-hydroxybenzene and azobenzene, which is predominantly microsomal. The implications of these results in terms of chemotherapy are discussed.