Localization of a cytochrome P-450 isozyme (cytochrome P-450 PB-B) and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase in rat nasal mucosa.

Antibodies raised against cytochrome P-450 PB-B, the major phenobarbital-inducible isozyme of rat hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450, and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4) were employed to determine the cellular localizations of these enzymes within the nasal mucosa of untreated rats. Immunohistochemical staining for each enzyme was detected at the light microscopic level within the respiratory and olfactory epithelia, duct and acinar cells of seromucous glands in the respiratory region, and duct and acinar cells of Bowman's glands in the olfactory region. These findings demonstrate that a number of different cell types in rat nasal mucosa contain enzymes which participate in the monooxygenations of chemical carcinogens and other xenobiotics.