title: Mixed function oxidases in an Australian marsupial, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula).
abstract: Investigation of the mixed function oxidase system of the brushtail possum was undertaken to provide fundamental information about this detoxication enzyme system in a marsupial. Brushtail possum hepatic cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5 and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase levels, 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and (EROD) 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD) activities were in the range of values reported for eutherian mammals. Hepatic cyrochrome P450 content was significantly greater (p < 0.01) in brushtail possums from a non-urban population in comparison to an urban population, as was ECOD activity (p < 0.0001). EROD activity was significantly greater in female brushtail possums in comparison to males (p < 0.01). The factors potentially influencing the population- and sex-specific expression of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in the brushtail possum are discussed and include exogenous dietary xenobiotics and endogenous hormonal alterations influenced by reproductive status.
authors.affiliation: Key Centre for Applied and Nutritional Toxicology, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, GPO Box 2476V, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bolton
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Ahokas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D006899:Mixed Function Oxygenases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009893:Opossums / Q000378:metabolism*; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D006899:Mixed Function Oxygenases