Effects of conditions for reconstitution with cytochrome b5 on the formation of products in cytochrome P-450-catalyzed reactions.

Evidence is presented that the method of reconstitution of the cytochrome P-450-containing liver microsomal enzyme system with cytochrome b5 (b5), including the order of addition of the components, the concentration of the b5, and the length of incubation prior to initiation of the reaction by NADPH, governs the steady state catalytic activity obtained. For example, the addition to cytochrome P-450 isozyme 2, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, and phosphatidylcholine of concentrated b5 (0.4 microM) results in extensive inhibition of benzphetamine demethylation and NADPH oxidation, whereas the addition of dilute b5 (0.02 microM) to the other components results in extensive stimulation of the demethylation reaction. The inhibition is partly relieved by prolonged incubation. The effects of pH and buffer concentration were determined, and the optimal molar ratio of b5 to cytochrome P-450 isozyme 2 was shown to be about 2.0 for stimulation of benzphetamine demethylation, dimethylaniline demethylation, and cyclohexanol oxidation to cyclohexanone. Cytochrome P-450 isozyme 4-catalyzed aminopyrine demethylation and aniline p-hydroxylation are not stimulated by b5, as predicted from a model based on stopped flow kinetic measurements [Pompon and Coon: J. Biol. Chem. 259, 15377 (1984)]. End-point stoichiometry measurements were carried out with cytochrome P-450 isozyme 2 in the absence of b5 or in the presence of b5 under optimal conditions. The results indicate that when b5 is reconstituted with the cytochrome P-450 isozyme 2 enzyme system under optimal conditions, substrate monooxygenation is enhanced, NADPH oxidation is unaffected, and hydrogen peroxide formation is decreased.