Sequential alterations in the micro-localization of catalase in mouse liver after treatment with hypolipidemic drugs.

A comparative study has been carried out on the micro-localization of catalase in mouse tissues subsequent to treatment with a representative range of hypolipidemic drugs. A commonality of effect was shown by clofibrate (ethyl-alpha-p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate), Wy-14,643 (4-chloro-6-[2,3 xylidino)-2-pyrimidinylthio] acetic acid), RMI-15,414 (5-tetradecyloxy-2-furancarboxylic acid) and aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid), in that treatments with each of these drugs was associated with the release of peroxisomal catalase into the cytoplasmic compartment of liver and kidney. It was also noticeable that this increased cytosolic activity was characterized by the presence of an 'aged' form of the enzyme with different mobility and activity characteristics to that of the peroxisomal enzyme. Possible molecular bases for these effects and their relationship to peroxisomal biogenesis are discussed.