Patterns of epoxide metabolism by epoxide hydrolase and glutathione S-transferase associated with age and genotype in Drosophila melanogaster.

Epoxide hydrolase and glutathione S-transferase activities toward trans- and cis-stilbene oxides were measured in 3 strains of Drosophila melanogaster. Differences in age dependence, substrate selectivity and subcellular location were detected suggesting the presence of multiple forms of these enzymes. In addition, interstrain differences indicate the presence of genetic variation for epoxide hydrolase and glutathione transferase activities. These results illustrate a potential use of these assays in D. melanogaster to complement existing tests (e.g. recessive lethal tests or Ames assays) for evaluating the relationship between epoxide hydrolase and glutathione S-transferase levels and the genotoxicity of epoxides.