Inhibition of the acute toxicity and adrenocorticolytic effect of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene by isopropylvaleramide and allylisopropylacetamide in the rat.

Isopropylvaleramide (IVA) and allylisopropylacetamide (AIA) inhibit hemorrhagic adrenocortical necrosis and mortality caused by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Unlike their effect on hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450, the anti-DMBA action of these compounds does not depend on the presence of the reactive allyl group in the molecule. Similarly, related barbiturates, regardless of whether they contain, like AIA, an allyl group and consequently destroy cytochrome P-450 (secobarbital and aprobarbital) or have, like IVA, saturated side chains and therefore do not effect the microsomal hemoprotein (pentobarbital and phenobarbital), proved ineffective in preventing both adrenal damage and death caused by DMBA. Hence, the protective action of IVA and AIA cannot be attributed to the destruction of the microsomal enzyme system responsible for the activation of DMBA. The toxicity of another carcinogen, dimethylnitrosamine, which also requires metabolic activation by microsomal enzymes, is not influenced by either IVA or AIA. IVA, which counteracts the adrenocorticolytic action of DMBA when given prior to, simultaneously with, or even after this carcinogen, has no discernible effect on hydrocarbon metabolism in vivo or in vitro. IVA is one of the most powerful inhibitors of the acute toxicity of DMBA. It has the simplest aliphatic structure and the smallest molecule among protectors of the adrenals against hydrocarbon-induced damage; its mechanism of action awaits further elucidation.