Selective induction of rat liver phase II enzymes by N-heterocycle analogues of phenanthrene: a response exhibiting high correlation between UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and microsomal epoxide hydrolase activities.

1. Among nitrogen heterocycles based on the planar phenanthrene structure are three (1,7- and 4,7-phenanthroline and phenanthridine) which selectively increase rat hepatic phase II drug metabolizing enzyme activities without increasing cytochrome P450 concentration. Of six monooxygenase activities investigated, only ethoxyresorufin dealkylase was raised but this was only minor. 2. The detergent-activated UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activities towards morphine, 4-nitrophenol, and 1-naphthol were increased up to five-, three- and two-fold of control respectively. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase activity towards cis-stilbene oxide was increased up to three-fold and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase activity towards 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene reached twice the control value. 3. Cytosolic 4-nitrophenol sulphotransferase activity was not increased by any compound and like some monooxygenase reactions, was decreased by 4,7- and 1,7-phenanthrolines. 4. 1,10-Phenanthroline and two compounds which lack a heterocyclic nitrogen atom, (phenanthrene and 9-phenanthrol), failed to elicit any induction of enzyme activities. 5. Changes in microsomal epoxide hydrolase activity showed high correlation (r = 0.97) with changes in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (4-nitrophenol) activity.