Induction of epidermal and hepatic ornithine decarboxylase by a Prudhoe Bay crude oil.

Application of a Prudhoe Bay crude oil (PBCO) to the backs of mice caused a rapid induction of epidermal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). A maximum induction of over 60-fold was seen at 6 hr after application of 50 microliters of PBCO. Concurrently, epidermal putrescine levels were elevated 4.7-fold over controls. Intraperitoneal administration of PBCO led to a 15-20-fold increase in hepatic ODC activity but to a 45% decrease in the renal enzyme activity. Maximum induction of ODC was seen at 12 hr following the administration of 4 ml/kg body wt of PBCO. Hepatic putrescine levels were elevated 34-fold over controls. Pretreatment of mice with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide abolished both epidermal and hepatic ODC induction.