Testosterone metabolism by hexachlorobenzene-induced hepatic microsomal enzymes.

Hexachlorobenzene, which is a widespread contaminant of meat and meat animal by-products throughout the world, had a profound effect on the homeostatic mechanism which controls the serum testosterone concentrations in the mouse. Significant increases in the mean hepatic weight, the concentrations of hepatic microsomal protein, cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5, and cytochrome c reductase activity occurred in the aminals given a ration containing 250 mg of hexachlorobenzene/kg for 21 days, when compared with their nontreated controls. These increases in cytochrome concentrations and enzyme activity of the hepatic microsomes are reflected by significant increases in the in vitro metabolism of [3H]testosterone and a decrease in the serum concentrations of testosterone with a concomitant decrease in the weights of the seminal vesicles and ventral prostate of the mouse.