The induction of hepatic and extrahepatic xenobiotic metabolism in the rat and ferret by a polychlorinated biphenyl mixture (Aroclor 1254).

1. The effect of a single i.p. dose (500 mg/kg) of a polychlorinated biphenyl mixture (Aroclor 1254) on hepatic and extrahepatic xenobiotic metabolism in male rat, and male and female ferret, was studied. 2. Aroclor 1254 treatment induced hepatic microsomal N-demethylase activities, and cytochrome P-450 and protein content in both rat and ferret. Liver size and aniline 4-hydroxylase were also increased in rat, but not ferret. The polychlorinated biphenyl mixture appeared to be a mixed-type inducer of hepatic xenobiotic metabolism in both species. 3. Aroclor 1254 treatment produced large increases in activities of benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase in whole homogenates of the liver, small intestinal mucosa, kidneys and lungs of both species. Maximal stimulation of xenobiotic metabolism occurred in the kidney of both the rat and ferret. In contrast, UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity was only stimulated in liver, intestine and kidney of the rat and in liver and intestine of the ferret. 4. These results suggest a general species similarity in the response to the polychlorinated biphenyl mixture between the rat and ferret.