title: Effect of folate deficiency on microsomal drug metabolism and heme content in the intestinal mucosa of guinea pigs.
abstract: The relationship between folate deficiency, heme content, and microsomal drug metabolism in the intestinal mucosa of the guinea pig was examined. Weanling male guinea pigs were pair-fed a folate-deficient diet, and intestinal mucosal folate levels were measured. A significant decrease (75%) in these levels was observed at 3 weeks after diet initiation. A significant decrease (78%) in intestinal mucosal drug metabolism (7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity) and a significant decrease (46%) in intestinal mucosal heme content were also observed at this time. These findings indicate that folic acid deficiency in the guinea pig results in a marked reduction in heme content and microsomal drug metabolism of the intestinal mucosa.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006418:Heme / Q000032:analysis*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008861:Microsomes / Q000378:metabolism*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D006418:Heme; D005492:Folic Acid