Cytochrome P450 catalysed insecticide metabolism: chemical and theoretical models.

Increased rate of cytochrome P450 catalysed metabolism is a characteristic factor in insecticide resistance. In addition to in vivo and in vitro methods, models of structural and theoretical biochemistry as well as bioorganic studies were found to be useful for understanding this increased metabolic activity on a molecular basis. Metabolic profiles can be reproduced using P450 mimic synthetic porphyrins and predicted by computer assisted biomolecular modelling. Insight into the mechanism of metabolic reactions might lead to specific P450 inhibitors reducing metabolic resistance and the environmental risk of high doses of pesticides.