Effect of Liv-52 on carbon tetrachloride-induced changes in hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes of the rat.

The effects of the hepatotonic Liv-52 on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced changes in the activities of the microsomal enzymes, aniline hydroxylase, p-aminopyrine N-demethylase and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), have been investigated. Treatment with Liv-52 (before or after CCl4 administration) markedly decreased, the CCl4-mediated reduction in aniline hydrochloride and p-aminopyrine N-demethylase activities, although the decrease in AHH activity could not be prevented. Kinetic studies showed that the effect of Liv-52 was not due to an alteration in the Km values of the enzymes. The possible mechanism by which Liv-52 moderated the CCl4-induced changes in the microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes is discussed.