Effect of different doses of 3-methylcholanthrene on the localization of the 3-methylcholanthrene-inducible isoenzymes of cytochrome P450 within the centrilobular and periportal zones of the rat liver.

Immunohistochemical staining techniques were used to investigate the localization of the 3-methylcholanthrene inducible isoenzymes (P450 IA1 and IA2) in the rat liver. The rats were induced with different doses of 3-methylcholanthrene, ranging from 2.5 to 25 mg/kg body weight. A heterogeneous induction pattern was observed with induction doses of 2.5; 5; 7.5 and 10 mg/kg body weight with the highest concentration of the isoenzymes around the central vein. With a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight, a homogeneous pattern was found. Induction with a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight resulted in an intermediate situation.