Effect of orpiment (As2S3) on cytochrome P-450, glutathione and lipid peroxide levels of rat liver.

Oral administration of orpiment (50 mg/kg b. wt.) caused significant decreases of cytochrome P-450 (44%) and glutathione levels (47%) of rat liver microsomes. Concomitantly, there was an increase in the lipid peroxidation (78%). Orpiment caused significant decreases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The glutathione-S-transferase activity was, however, lowered by 42%. The cytochrome P-450-dependent mixed function oxygenase system was also affected. The results show the hepatotoxic nature of orpiment.