Effect of murine gamma-interferon on the mouse liver and its drug-metabolizing enzymes: comparison with human hybrid alpha-interferon.

Murine IFN(gamma) and human IFN(alpha)-AD:Bgl were compared over a limited dose range and after single and multiple dosing for their effect on male mouse liver oxidative and conjugative drug metabolizing enzymes. Both IFNs depressed the microsomal cytochrome P-450 concentration but did not alter cytosolic glutathione S-transferase nor microsomal UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity. Both IFNs showed some slight hepatotoxicity (elevated serum ALT), alpha AD:Bgl more than gamma, especially after multiple dosing. While the IFNs did not produce significant increases in liver weight, they did increase the yield of microsomal protein. The increased endoplasmic reticulum may compensate for the decreased cytochrome P-450 concentration and so account for the lack of observed effect of the IFNs on hexobarbital sleep times in vivo. Overall, the minimal effects of murine gamma-IFN on the mouse liver were no different than those of human alpha AD:Bgl.