Mixed-function oxidase concentration

Nickel concentrations in livers of birds fed sludge- 3 grown wheat were significantly elevated in males (210 pg Ni/kg DW vs. 130 in controls) and females (120 vs. 80 pg Ni/kg DW) mixed function oxidase activities were elevated in livers of both sexes when compared to controls... 

Approximately 10-20% of -hexane absorbed by inhalation is excreted unchanged in exhaled air the remainder is metabolized. Metabolism takes place via mixed-function oxidase reactions in the liver. In a study in which metabolites were measured in workers exposed to 77-hexane (Perbellini et al. 1981), mean concentrations of 77-hexane metabolites in urine were 2,5-hexanedione, 5.4 mg/L 2,5-dimethylfuran,... 

Knights KM, Gourlay GK, Cousins MJ. Changes in rat hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidase activity following exposure to halothane under various oxygen concentrations. Biochem Pharmacol 1987 36(6) 897-906. 

Exposure of various invertebrate species to high concentrations of petroleum did not induce mixed function oxidase activity. Enzyme activity was stimulated, however, in a number of fish tissues by petroleum. Different permutations can be addressed as to the significance of basal or induced levels of mixed function oxidases and hydrocarbon toxicity. AHH may have a physiological role in enhancing hydrocarbon clearance but may also increase the mutagenic-carcinogenic potential of hydrocarbons. Both of these concepts have been demonstrated in studies with fish (29,30). Induced AHH levels may permit a more rapid oxidative transformation with concomitant "disappearance" of parent hydrocarbons, but potentially toxic metabolites could be retained in tissues for longer periods (31). It is likely that at the enzymic level the... 

Considerable interest has developed concerning the nature of the mixed function oxidase system in fish and the role that this system may play in the development of toxic responses in these animals. Studies have shown that components of the mixed function oxidase system are present in relatively high concentrations in fish liver (4, 5, 6) and that the enzyme systems in this organ are capable of many of the biotransformation reactions already described for the mammalian liver (7, 8, 9). The presence of this complement of enzymes in the livers of many fishes suggests that this organ too may be particularly sensitive to insult from sub lethal concentrations of many waterborne toxicants. For this reason, methods to evaluate liver function in fish may be particularly useful in identifying the sublethal effects of certain classes of toxicants. 

An effect of ozone on lung microsomes has been suggested by morpholine studies that indicated alterations in the endoplasmic reticulum, Biochemical evidence of an effect on microsomal enzymes was originally obtained in the studies of Palmer et who demonstrated that ozone exposure (0.75-10 ppm for 3 h) resulted in a decrease in activity of Syrian hamster lung benzopyrene hydroxylase, a mixed-function oxidase that depends on cytochrome P-450. No changes in hepatic activities of this enzyme were observed, and the results were similar in animals in which high activities of benzopyrene hydroxylase had been induced. The maximal effect was not observed until a few days after the single ozone exposure. Palmer et also reported a decrease in rabbit tracheobronchial mucosal benzopyrene hydroxylase activity after exposure to similar ozone concentrations. 

Although first reported with the cytochrome(s) P-450 mixed function oxidases, it is now known that a number of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of foreign compounds are inducible. Thus, as well as the CYPs, NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase, cytochrome b5, glucuronosyl transferases, epoxide hydrolases, and GSTs are also induced to various degrees. However, this discussion concentrates on the induction of the CYPs with mention of other enzymes where appropriate. 

Vinylidene fluoride is taken up rapidly via the pulmonary route in rats, but at equilibrium the mean concentration (by volume) in rats was only 23% of that in the gaseous phase. Metabolism proceeded very slowly and was saturable at exposure concentrations of about 260 mg/m Its maximum rate was 1% that of vinyl chloride and less than 20% that of vinyl fluoride there has been a report of an increase in the urinary excretion of fluoride in exposed rats. No alkylating intermediate was demonstrated after passage through a mouse-liver microsomal system. However, vinylidene fluoride inhibits mixed-function oxidase activity in vitro and, like similar halogenated compounds that are transformed to reactive metabolites, it alters rat intermediary metabolism, leading to acetone exhalation (lARC, 1986). 

The hepatic endoplasmic reticulum possesses oxidative enzymes called mixed-function oxidases or monooxygenase with a specific requirement for both molecular oxygen and a reduced concentration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). Essential in the mixed-function oxidase system is P-450 (Figure 1.12). The primary electron donor is NADPH, whereas the electron transfer involved P-450, a flavoprotein. The presence of a heat-stable fraction is necessary for the operation of the system. 

Interactions Chloramphenicol is able to inhibit some of the hepatic mixed function oxidases and thus can block the metabolism of such drugs as warfarin, phenytoin, tolbutamide and chlorpropamide, thus elevating their concentrations and potentiating their effects. 

Vitamin D that is taken up by the fiver is converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D by a microsomal hydroxylase (Fig. 30-3). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D is the main circulating form of vitamin D in the serum and the best indicator of vitamin D status. Normal serum levels are 14-60 ng/mL (35-150 nmol/L). When serum calcium concentrations decline, 25-hydroxyvitamin D is converted to 1,25-dihydroxyvitmin D by la-hydroxylase, a mixed-function oxidase that is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane in kidney tissue and whose expression is regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH). The main function of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is to increase the intestinal absorption of dietary calcium and phosphorus. When serum concentrations of calcium and phosphorus are normal or when large doses of vitamin D are administered, 25-hydroxyvitamin D is metabolized to 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in the renal... 

Liver. In humans, chronic Cd exposure does not typically result in hepatotoxicity. In laboratory animals, the liver accumulates the largest concentrations of Cd after acute or chronic exposures. In chronically exposed rats, liver injury occurs prior to renal dysfunction. Chronic Cd effects in the liver include increased plasma activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, structural irregularities in hepatocytes, and decreased microsomal mixed function oxidase and CYP450 activities. Acute exposures in rats result in hepatic necrosis, particularly in parenchymal cells. Additionally, rough endoplasmic reticulum deteriorates, while smooth endoplasmic reticulum proliferates. Mitochondria are also degraded. As is the case with chronic exposure, microsomal mixed function oxidases and CYP450s are inhibited. 

Clofibrate at a concentration of 0.5 mmol in culture medium maintained the cytochrome P-450 content of rat hepatocytes for up to 96 h. This effect was associated with a marked induction of lauric acid hydroxylation whereas little effect was observed on the metabolism of three other cytochrome p450 dependent mixed function oxidase substrates. 

Isodrin is metabolized by biooxidation to endrin. Isodrin and its metabolite, endrin, have high fat water partition coefficients and, therefore, tend to accumulate in adipose tissue. At a constant rate of intake, however, the concentration of the insecticide in adipose tissue reaches an equilibrium and remains relatively constant. Following cessation of exposure, it is slowly eliminated from the body. In vitro studies have shown that mixed-function oxidase of mouse liver converts isodrin to endrin. Mice excrete 10% of the orally administered dose in urine. Four unidentified metabolites were present in urine, three probably are glucuronide or sulfate conjugates. Feces is... 

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