Human Xenobiotic Metabolizing P450s in the Brain

Not enough information exists regarding CYP1A2 or any of the CYP2A isoforms to make any sound conclusions regarding their localization or function in the human brain. Therefore, although included in O Table 3-3, they are omitted from the discussion below. 

In rat brain, the analogous CYP2B isoforms are well known to be inducible by phenobarbitol and nicotine (Parmar et al., 1998 Zevin and Benowitz, 1999 Schilter et al., 2000 Albores et al., 2001 Upadhya et al.. 

Because of its preference for monoamine-like molecules and its role in the metabolism of many psychoactive compounds, CYP2D6 is perhaps the most interesting of the xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes to be implicated in the human brain. As such, a great deal of information is now available regarding its presence there (O Table 3-3). 

---