Effect of Adrenalectomy on Hepatic, Pulmonary and Intestinal Mixed Function Oxidase in the Rat

Summary

Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECD) activities of microsomes from liver, lung, and intestine of control and adrenalectomized male and female rats were compared. In addition, adrenalectomized-ovariectomized rats were also used. Adrenalectomy decreased hepatic and pulmonary AHH and ECD activities in microsomes of both sexes. However, adrenalectomy increased the AHH activity of intestinal microsomes of both male and female rats, but had no effect on the intestinal ECD activity of either sex. The hepatic cytochrome P-450 content was decreased in male and female animals by adrenalectomy. The effects of adrenalectomy-ovariectomy on AHH and ECD activities were similar to the results obtained for adrenalectomy alone, indicating that physiological levels of estrogens do not regulate these enzymes. Organ specific alterations of microsomal mixed function oxidases occur with adrenalectomy of both male and female rats.

Key-Words:

Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase (AHH) - 7-Ethoxycoumarin O-Deethylase (ECD) - Cytochrome P-450 - Adrenalectomy - Adrenalectomy-Ovariectomy - Hepatic - Extrahepatic