The effect of alpha-1-acetylmethadol hydrochloride on rat hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and epoxide hydrase.

Male and female Wistar rats were administered alpha-1-acetylmethadol via their drinking water for one to two weeks. Hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, cytochrome P-450 and epoxide hydrase activities were measured after various doses of this drug. In female rats, a significant increase in aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and cytochrome P-450 occurred at doses as low as 4.7 mg/Kg/day. However, no change in epoxide hydrase activity occurred. In male rats, a significant increase in epoxide hydrase activity occurred at all doses tested. From these results, it is concluded that alpha-1-acetylmethadol induces a number of hepatic drug metabolizing enzyme systems.