Stimulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes by nitrous oxide in the rat.
Wistar male rats were subchronically (150 h continuously) or chronically (5 h daily for 15 days) exposed to a 50% nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture. As an index of enzyme induction liver N-demethylase and benzo(a)pyrene-hydroxylase activities, serum gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity, urinary d-glucaric acid and pentobarbital sleeping time were evaluated in comparison with a control group. No effect was observed after subchronic exposure to the anaesthetic gas. Chronic exposure, on the contrary, decreased pentobarbital sleeping time, increased urinary d-glucaric acid, liver N-demethylase and serum gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activities. No increase of liver benzo(a)pyrene-hydroxylase was observed. Chronic nitrous oxide exposure under appropriate conditions can modify some enzymes, metabolizing drugs and xenobiotic compounds.
D000818:Animals; D001189:Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases / Q000378:metabolism*; D001579:Benzopyrene Hydroxylase / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004790:Enzyme Induction / Q000187:drug effects; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010089:Oxidoreductases, N-Demethylating / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013997:Time Factors; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood*
D001579:Benzopyrene Hydroxylase; D001189:Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases; D010089:Oxidoreductases, N-Demethylating; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010100:Oxygen