Hepatic microsomal enzymes in S. mansoni infected mice: II. Effect of duration of infection and lindane administration on aminopyrine demethylase and aniline hydroxylase.

The time course of effects of S. mansoni infection on hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes was studied in swiss albino mice. Aminopyrine demethylase and aniline hydroxylase showed increases in activity, reaching a peak 30 days post infection. Both enzymes demonstrated a steady decline thereafter. On day 60, the level of aminopyrine demethylase was comparable to that of uninfected mice. On the other hand, the activity of aniline hydroxylase was lower than the control values. Treatment with lindane (40 mg/Kg/day X 3) increased the activity of both enzymes after different durations of disease induction. Changes in hepatic microsomal enzymes in S. mansoni infection may alter the intensity and duration of pharmacologic or toxic effects of drugs eliminated from the body through metabolic transformation.