Characterization and identification of an indirect cytochrome P-450-initiated denitrosation of 2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline in rat hepatic microsomes.

The metabolism of 2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline (DCNA) to a unique denitrosated product, 3,5-dichloro-p-aminophenol (DCAP), was investigated in rat hepatic microsomes using an HPLC system containing a reverse-phase column and an electrochemical detector. The parent compound appears to induce its own metabolism. The characterization of this induction was studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, catalytic enzymatic activity, and immunochemistry. The in vitro microsomal aerobic production of DCAP was increased 4- to 6.5-fold with respect to controls after animals were treated with DCNA. The microsomal production of DCAP can be inhibited by the addition of specific antibodies to cytochrome P-450d, thus indicating that the removal of the nitro group and subsequent replacement with a hydroxyl group was initiated by cytochrome P-450d in the mixed-function oxidase system. Finally, it was demonstrated by the addition of H218O to the assay that this hydroxyl group came from H2O and not molecular oxygen. It is concluded that cytochrome P-450 initiated this novel reaction by the formation of an N-hydroxylamine, followed by a non-P-450-mediated attack of water causing the removal of nitrous acid and the formation of the phenol.