Studies on liver toxicants: influence of bromobenzene on hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes in the hamster.

The effect of bromobenzene on hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes was investigated in hamsters after oral applications of 1.5 and 3.0 g/kg body weight. After 1.5 g/kg a decrease of aminopyrine N-demethylase as well as an increase of hepatic hydroperoxide formation occurred. At 3.0 g/kg, most mixed-function oxidases were inhibited with the exception of ketamine N-demethylase, methylayapanine O-demethylase, and coumarin 7-hydroxylase. Hydroperoxide formation was increased but lipoperoxidation was reduced. Neither glucuronyltransferase I nor glucuronyltransferase II were affected by bromobenzene treatment.