The effects of benzopyrene and safrole on biphenyl 2-hydroxylase and other drug-metabolizing enzymes.

A study was made of the nature and specificity of the increase in biphenyl 2-hydroxylase activity after preincubation of liver microsomal preparations with various carcinogens in vitro. This enhancement of enzyme activity in vitro was investigated in mouse, hamster and rat, and although the rat appears to be atypical in the variation of the pattern of 2- and 4-hydroxylation with age, similar enhancements were detectable in each species examined. An increase in biphenyl 2-hydroxylase activity was apparent 2h after intraperitoneal administration of safrole or benzopyrene to mature Wistar albino rats and appeared to be similar in nature to that observed after preincubation of liver microsomal preparations with the same chemical in vitro. Investigation of other drug-metabolizing enzyme systems suggests that the enhancing effects of carcinogens in vitro are specific for biphenyl 2-hydroxylase. No correlation between the enhancement of biphenyl 2-hydroxylase and inhibtion of biphenyl 4-hydroxylase was apparent.