The induction of cytochrome P-450 and monooxygenase activities in the chick embryo by 2-acetylaminofluorene.

Administration of 2-acetylaminofluorene to chick embryos increases the cytochrome P-450 level 3.4 fold but causes no increase in total epoxide hydrase activity or other microsomal electron transport enzymes. The induction response shows some similarity to that elicited by phenabarbitone both in terms of the monooxygenase activities induced and their inhibition characteristics. Induction of a specific cytochrome P-450 subform by this agent may increase its detoxification and in part account for the resistance of avian species to its hepatocarcinogenic effect.