[Possible role of nucleases in the mechanism of the induction effect of phenobarbital].

A study was made of the effect of phenobarbital on the activity of alkaline DNase and RNase in subcellular fractions of the rat liver. Phenobarbital in a single dose of 80 mg/kg produces a decrease in the activity of enzymes in nuclear, mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of the rat liver. It is suggested that one of the mechanisms of the inducing action of phenobarbital on protein synthesis by the liver may be an inhibition of the nuclease activity.