trans-Stilbene oxide: an inducer of rat hepatic microsomal and nuclear epoxide hydrase and mixed-function oxidase activities.

The administration of trans-stilbene oxide to rats resulted in increased hepatic microsomal and nuclear epoxide hydrase (with styrene oxide (SO), benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide (4,5-BP) as substrates) and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activities. Hepatic microsomal aminopyrine N-demethylase, benzphetamine N-demethylase, and ethylmorphine N-demethylase activities were also increased. These increases in microsomal enzyme activity were dose- and time-dependent (about 100% at 200 mg/kg body weight, administered for 2 consecutive days). However, only marginal increases in hepatic microsomal NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity and cytochrome P-450 content were observed. No apparent proliferation of hepatic endoplasmic reticulum occurred in trans-stilbene oxide pretreated rats. The administration of trans-stilbene oxide has no effect on hepatic glutathione S-transferase activities (with SO or 4,5-BPO as substrates). None of the parameters were affected in pulmonary microsomes from treated rats. The in vitro addition of trans-stilbene oxide (10(-6)--10(-2) M) did not affect hepatic epoxide hydrase or glutathione S-transferase activities.