Abstract
1. The hepatopancreas is the major site of cytochrome P450-dependent xenobiotic monooxygenation in crustacean species, but the presence of monooxygenase inhibitors in hepatopancreas microsomes and cytosol from many decapod species has impeded in vitro studies. Cytochrome P450 and monooxygenase activities have been reported in other crustacean organs including the antennal gland (green gland) and stomach. 2. NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity is often very low (typically 50nmol/min per nmol P450) were found for N-demethylation of benzphetamine and aminopyrine. 5. The ability of agents which induce vertebrate cytochrome P450 to induce cytochrome P450 in crustaceans is still unclear. Some studies indicate that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, but not phenobarbital-type inducers, could induce cytochrome P450 in crustaceans, whereas other studies showed no effect of either inducer type. Crustaceans are not as sensitive as fish to induction of P450 and monooxygenase activity.