HEME AND DRUG-METABOLIZING-ENZYMES IN REGENERATING RAT-LIVER

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 63  (1) , 1-4
Abstract
Various parameters of heme and drug metabolism were measured during the course of liver regeneration after 2/3 hepatectomy in rats. Partial hepatectomy produced a significant depression in delta-ALA [amino levulinic acid] synthetase and delta-ALA dehydratase, and induction in heme oxygenase at an early stage of regeneration. The values returned to normal within 7-14 days. These changes were also accompanied by a marked decline in benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase and aminopyrene demethylase. The level of glutathione and the activity of glutathione reductase also increased during the early stage of proliferation. The increased level of glutathione with concomitant decrease in drug-metabolizing enzymes and induction in heme oxygenase could be considered as a protective mechanism for the detoxication process, although a contribution from other biotransforming mechanisms cannot be excluded.