Differential enzyme induction of mouse liver and lung following a single low or high dose of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)

The induction response of cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme activities to a single low (5 nmol/kg) or high (50 nmol/kg, intraperitoneal [ip] dose of TCDD was examined in liver and lung homogenates over a 12-week time course in an outbred, Ah-responsive strain of mice (National Institutes of Health [NIH] Swiss). Total hepatic cytochrome P-450 was quantified, and the dealkylation of ethoxy- and benzyloxyresorufin (activities of P-450 IA1 and IIB1, respectively) were measured in both tissues at 48 and 96 hr and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-TCDD administration. Western immunoblotting with monoclonal antibody 1-7-1 was conducted to confirm the specific IA1-inductive effects of each dose of TCDD over the same time course. Following the low dose, specific IA1 induction was apparent in liver at the earliest time point, was maximal at 1 week, and declined to control values at 12 weeks. Pulmonary IA1 was near-maximally induced at 48 hr, and remained at that level for 4 weeks. In contrast, a tenfold higher dose of TCDD elicited similar IA1 induction profiles for both tissues, with a maximum at 1 week and a progressive loss at 4 and 12 weeks postexposure. P-450 IIB1 activity was elevated in TCDD-treated animals by enzymatic assay; however, Western immunoblotting did not confirm this finding. These data demonstrate persistent dose-dependent P450 induction over many weeks by a single TCDD dose, with significant organ-specific differences: (a) lung is more sensitive than liver to a nonmaximal inducing dose of TCDD, and (b) at a maximally inducing dose of TCDD, lung is very similar to liver in both the level and time course of IA1 induction.

Effects of 4-alkyl analogues of 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-trimethylpyridine on hepatic cytochrome P-450 heme, apoproteins, and catalytic activities following in vivo administration to rats

Various 4-alkyl analogues of 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-trimethylpyridine (DDC) cause mechanism-based inactivation of cytochrome P-450 (P-450) via heme destruction. We have examined the time course of effects of DDC analogues on the catalytic activities and apoproteins of the major beta-naphthoflavone-, dexamethasone-, and phenobarbital-inducible isozymes of rat liver P-450 following in vivo administration. In beta-naphthoflavone-treated rats, all DDC analogues examined caused loss of the P-450 chromophore and dramatic loss of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity, a catalytic marker for P-450c. The isopropyl, hexyl, and isobutyl analogues caused the most pronounced loss/alteration of P-450c apoprotein levels, as revealed by two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), 1-31-2 and 1-7-1. The apoprotein of P-450d was not altered. In dexamethasone-treated rats, all analogues except 4-hexyl-DDC caused loss of the P-450 chromophore and erythromycin N-demethylase activity, a catalytic marker for P-450p-related isozymes. Only 4-isopropyl-DDC caused significant loss/alteration of the apoprotein of P-450p-related forms, as revealed by MAb 2-13-1. In phenobarbital-treated rats, all analogues reduced the level of the P-450 chromophore, whereas only 4-hexyl-DDC and 4-isopropyl-DDC lowered 7-pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase activity, a catalytic marker for P-450b. MAbs 2-66-3 and 2-8-1 revealed no change in the level of phenobarbital-inducible apoproteins recognized by these probes. In agreement with our previous in vitro studies [Mol. Pharmacol. 35;626-634 (1989)], P-450 c and p are targets for mechanism-based inactivation by DDC analogues. However, unlike the situation in vitro, loss of enzyme activity in vivo is, at least in some instances, accompanied by loss/alteration of the corresponding P-450 apoprotein.

Studies on the mechanism of monoclonal antibody inhibition of enzyme activity of phenobarbital-induced cytochrome P-450

Four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to phenobarbital-induced cytochrome P-450 (PB-P-450) show different patterns of inhibition of PB-P-450 catalyzed aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7-ethoxycoumarin deethylase, benzphetamine demethylase and ethylmorphine demethylase. The inhibition constants vary depending on the individual monoclonal antibody and the individual substrate. Two of the four monoclonal antibodies completely inhibit the reduction of cytochrome P-450 by NADPH cytochrome c (P-450) reductase. The same cytochrome P-450 bound to carbon monoxide, however, can be reduced chemically by sodium dithionite in the presence of the monoclonal antibody. These data indicate that the two MAbs examined completely prevent electron transfer by NADPH cytochrome c (P-450) reductase. Substrate binding is partially inhibited by the monoclonal antibody. The type I substrate-binding spectrum of benzphetamine is inhibited more than the type II binding spectrum of aniline. The degree of inhibition of the substrate binding as indicated by the spectrum is less than that observed for the inhibition of catalytic enzyme activity by the monoclonal antibodies. The data indicate that each of the MAbs are directed toward epitopes on the cytochromes P-450 with different relationships to the active catalytic site.

Metabolism of fusarin C by rat liver microsomes. Role of esterase and cytochrome P-450 enzymes with respect to the mutagenicity of fusarin C in Salmonella typhimurium

Fusarin C (FC) is a potent mutagen present on Fusarium moniliforme contaminated corn. This compound requires metabolic activation for which microsomes from phenobarbital-induced rats are most effective. Inhibition of the simultaneously induced esterase activity, which produced a less mutagenic metabolite, doubled the mutagenicity of FC. Carbon monoxide inhibited the mutagenicity of FC, suggesting the involvement of a heme containing enzyme. However, monoclonal antibodies specific for the phenobarbital-induced cytochrome P-450 enzymes PB-4 and PB-5, while inhibiting O-demethylation of p-nitroanisole and aflatoxin B1 mutagenicity, had not effect on FC mutagenicity. This implies that either these enzymes are not involved in the activation of FC or FC competes well with the antibodies for binding to the cytochrome P-450 enzymes. Two additional metabolites of FC were detected. One had an ultraviolet spectrum similar to FC: the other had a lambda max at 326 nm, and its retention time on reverse phase HPLC was very sensitive to changes in pH.

Induction of rat liver microsomal and nuclear cytochrome P-450 by dietary 2-acetylaminofluorene and butylated hydroxytoluene

The influence of dietary 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) on the cytochrome P-450 content of rat liver microsomal and nuclear fractions was immunochemically probed with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to cytochromes P-450c and P-450d. Cytochrome P-450d but not P-450c was immunodetected in microsomes, nuclear envelopes, and nuclei from untreated rats. The levels of both cytochromes P-450c and P-450d were elevated after a diet of either 0.1% AAF for 1 week or 0.05% AAF for 3 weeks. However, the level of cytochrome P-450c relative to P-450d was lower after the more prolonged AAF feeding. Supplementation of AAF-containing diets with 0.3% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which affords protection against AAF hepatocarcinogenesis in high-fat fed rats, protected and/or induced total (spectral) nuclear envelope cytochrome P-450 content. Immunochemical studies of liver fractions showed that BHT enhanced the AAF-dependent induction of cytochrome P-450c, but not of P-450d. This was a concerted effect of AAF + BHT since dietary BHT by itself did not affect the levels of cytochrome P-450c or P-450d as compared to control rats. Since 1- to 3-week dietary AAF had little effect on total (spectral analyses) microsomal cytochrome P-450 but markedly reduced total P-450 in nuclear envelopes, the coordinated induction of specific cytochrome P-450s in the different fractions suggests selective induction and depression of different forms of cytochrome P-450 and provides additional evidence for independent regulation of the drug-metabolizing system in nuclear envelope and microsomes. In addition, these results suggest that regulation of cytochrome P-450 may play a crucial role in the nutritional modulation of AAF hepatocarcinogenesis.

Monoclonal antibodies to rat liver cytochrome P-450 2c/RLM5 that regiospecifically inhibit steroid metabolism

Hybridomas were formed from myeloma cells and spleen cells derived from BALB/c female mice immunized with purified liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 2c/RLM5 (P-450 gene IIC11) isolated from untreated adult male rats. Six hybridoma clones produced monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of the IgM(kappa) type. All the MAbs bound strongly to P-450 2c/RLM5 when measured by radioimmunoassay, and four of the six specifically immunoprecipitated P-450 2c/RLM5 in an Ouchterlony double-immunodiffusion test. These four MAbs also bound but did not immunoprecipitate P-450 RLM3. The MAbs that precipitated P-450 2c/RLM5 neither bound nor precipitated P-450 PB-B (gene IIB1) and P-450 BNF-B (gene IA1) of rats or P-450 LM2 and P-450 LM4 of rabbits. In contrast, mouse polyclonal anti-P-450 2c/RLM5 antibody strongly immunoprecipitated P-450 RLM3 as well as P-450 2c/RLM5 and to a lesser extent P-450 PB-B and P-450 LM2. The MAbs that precipitated P-450 2c/RLM5 also inhibited by more than 90% androstenedione 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity of untreated rat microsomes, but did not inhibit microsomal 6 beta- or 7 alpha-hydroxylation. In addition, complete inhibition of both androstenedione 16 alpha-hydroxylation and testosterone 16 alpha-hydroxylation was observed in a reconstituted system with P-450 2c/RLM5. Androstenedione 6 beta-hydroxylation catalyzed by P-450 2c/RLM5 was also inhibited, whereas P-450 3-catalyzed 7 alpha-hydroxylation was not inhibited by the MAbs. P-450 2c/RLM5 catalyzed 2 alpha-, 16 alpha- and 6 beta-hydroxylation of progesterone in a reconstituted system were also inhibited by the MAb by 60-80%. These MAbs should prove useful for "reaction phenotyping," i.e. for defining the contribution of microsomal P-450 2c/RLM5 to the oxidative metabolism of endogenous steroids and other P-450 substrates in animal and human tissues.

Oncogene expressions detected by in situ hybridization of squamous metaplasia, dysplasia and primary lung cancer in human

In order to elucidate the dynamic changes of oncogene expression in the sequential cascade of squamous metaplasia, dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma of the bronchial epithelium, hybridization in situ was employed with a biotinylated oncogene probe. The expression of c-myc was localized exclusively in nuclei. While normal bronchial epithelium revealed no discernible clumps of c-myc grains, except occasional grains less than 3 per cell, squamous metaplasia showed increased number of grains and a few clusters of c-myc grains. In dysplasia, c-myc expression was more intensive than in squamous metaplasia. Approximately, 1/3 to 2/3 of tumor cell populations of squamous cell carcinomas of the lung revealed tremendously increased c-myc expression. In addition clumpy grains of c-myc in squamous cell carcinoma appeared more frequently than in squamous metaplasia or dysplasia. The c-myc expression was found to vary between different samples and within each cancer, and not all cancer cells expressed c-myc. These data indicate that c-myc oncogene plays it's role on reprogramming for growth control of cell populations particularly in multistage carcinogenesis and progression of lung cancer. These dynamic alterations of c-myc expression suggest that neoplastic transformation may occur conceivably at the dysplastic phase eventually resulting in carcinoma in situ. This means, in turn, squamous dysplasia is a putative precancerous lesion of the human lung.

Cytochromes P-450 in murine lung. An immunohistochemical study with monoclonal antibodies

We have used a panel of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) and immunofluorescence to investigate the distribution of species of cytochrome P-450 inducible by 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) and phenobarbital (PB) in the lungs of "responsive" C57BL/6 and "nonresponsive" DBA/2 mice. A Mab (1-7-1) specific for an epitope common to rat cytochromes P-450c (P450IA1) and P-450d (P450IA2) detected the corresponding murine species (P1-450/P3-450) in cells of the alveolar septa, including type II cells, as well as endothelial cells lining blood vessels. Cytochrome P1-450 (Mabs 1-31-2, 1-36-1) is localized in type II cells of the alveolar septa but is not found in endothelial cells. Patterns of immunoreactivity with the 3-MC-specific Mabs indicate that alveolar septal cells possess P1-450 and P3-450, whereas endothelial cells of the vasculature are not the sites of P1-450, but rather of P3-450. Similar immunoreactivities for the 3-MC-defined P-450s are demonstrated in the lungs of C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice. A Mab (2-66-3) which recognizes P-450b/P-450e (P450IIB1/P450IIB2) is reactive with P-450s localized in type II alveolar and bronchiolar epithelial cells, including nonciliated Clara cells. The epitope for cytochromes P-450b/P-450e is present in constitutive form within the lung and does not appear to be responsive to induction by PB. In contrast, epitopes for P1-450/P3-450 and P1-450 are not expressed constitutively but are only detected when induced by 3-MC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunochemical characterization of cytochrome P-450 isozymes responsible for benzene oxidation in the rat liver

The contribution of cytochrome P-450 isozymes to benzene metabolism in liver microsomes from fed, fasted, pyrazole-, phenobarbital (PB)- and ethanol-treated rats and in respective isocaloric controls was investigated using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Clone 1-7-1 mAb did not inhibit benzene metabolism, whereas clone 2-66-3 inhibited only in PB-induced microsomes at a high concentration of benzene (6.26 mM), and clone 1-91-3 mAb inhibited benzene metabolism in all cases. The degree of inhibition was as follows: fed congruent to isocaloric control congruent to PB less than fasted less than pyrazole congruent to ethanol. The pattern of inhibition was similar with clone 1-91-3 for low (0.23 mM) and high concentrations of benzene, except in PB-induced microsomes. Western blot analysis showed that clone 1-7-1 mAb did not bind any liver microsomal protein in the region of cytochrome P-450s, whereas with clone 2-66-3 a clear-cut band was seen only in liver microsomes from PB-treated rats, with clone 1-98-1, a band was detected in microsomes from all treated groups, in the following order: PB = isocaloric control less than fed less than fasted less than pyrazole less than ethanol. These results indicate that (i) cytochromes P-450b,e and P-450j contribute to benzene metabolism in rat liver; (ii) the former has a low affinity to benzene and is induced by PB; and (iii) P-450j has a high affinity to benzene and is induced by 1-day fasting, pyrazole and ethanol, but decreased by PB treatment.

Measurement of cyclosporine in plasma from patients with various transplants: HPLC radioimmunoassay with a specific monoclonal antibody compared

This study compares cyclosporin A (CsA) concentrations in plasma from patients receiving various transplants, as measured by HPLC and RIA with a monoclonal antibody for CsA and an 125I-labeled ligand. The RIA was restandardized with in-house standards because it overestimated CsA by an average of 23%. The RIA was sensitive to 2 micrograms/L, the standard curve was linear from 20 to 500 micrograms of CsA per liter, analytical recovery was 98%, and CVs were less than 8% for intra- and interassay precision. RIA (y) vs HPLC (x) for 283 plasma samples from 145 patients gave a slope = 1.1256, r = 0.979. When the results were segregated according to transplant type, CsA in liver and heart recipients was overestimated by RIA as compared with HPLC: slope = 1.202, r = 0.973 and slope = 1.1477, r = 0.983, respectively. Adult and pediatric CsA values were acceptable when RIA and HPLC were compared: slope = 1.0755, r = 0.977 and slope = 1.0563, r = 0.980, respectively. For six samples (four heart, two liver recipients) where HPLC and RIA values demonstrated wide discrepancies, repeat HPLC and analysis of eluate fractions gave CsA concentrations nearer values by the initial HPLC assay. We conclude that this RIA cannot be substituted for HPLC in the case of heart and liver recipients. The need for each laboratory to standardize the RIA is obvious.

Measurement of cyclosporine in plasma from patients with various transplants: HPLC radioimmunoassay with a specific monoclonal antibody compared

This study compares cyclosporin A (CsA) concentrations in plasma from patients receiving various transplants, as measured by HPLC and RIA with a monoclonal antibody for CsA and an 125I-labeled ligand. The RIA was restandardized with in-house standards because it overestimated CsA by an average of 23%. The RIA was sensitive to 2 micrograms/L, the standard curve was linear from 20 to 500 micrograms of CsA per liter, analytical recovery was 98%, and CVs were less than 8% for intra- and interassay precision. RIA (y) vs HPLC (x) for 283 plasma samples from 145 patients gave a slope = 1.1256, r = 0.979. When the results were segregated according to transplant type, CsA in liver and heart recipients was overestimated by RIA as compared with HPLC: slope = 1.202, r = 0.973 and slope = 1.1477, r = 0.983, respectively. Adult and pediatric CsA values were acceptable when RIA and HPLC were compared: slope = 1.0755, r = 0.977 and slope = 1.0563, r = 0.980, respectively. For six samples (four heart, two liver recipients) where HPLC and RIA values demonstrated wide discrepancies, repeat HPLC and analysis of eluate fractions gave CsA concentrations nearer values by the initial HPLC assay. We conclude that this RIA cannot be substituted for HPLC in the case of heart and liver recipients. The need for each laboratory to standardize the RIA is obvious.

Monoclonal antibodies directed characterization of epidermal and hepatic cytochrome P-450 isozymes induced by skin application of therapeutic crude coal tar

A single application of crude coal tar (CCT) solution (USP) to the skin of neonatal rats was shown to induce epidermal and hepatic cytochrome P-450(P-450)-dependent monooxygenase activities. To further characterize the induction response, in this study we have utilized highly specific monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) 1-7-1, 2-66-3, and 1-98-1 directed against highly purified rat liver P-450s induced by 3-methyl-cholanthrene, phenobarbital and ethanol, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of hepatic microsomes prepared from CCT-treated animals showed a significant increase in the coomassie blue stainable proteins in the P-450 region; however, this was not evident in epidermal microsomes. Immunoblot analysis of epidermal and hepatic microsomes with MoAb 1-7-1 revealed strong immunoprecipitin bands in both tissues. MoAb 2-66-3 showed significant immunoreactivity only with hepatic microsomes. Interestingly, CCT treatment resulted in suppression of immunoreactivity with MoAb 1-98-1 in hepatic microsomes. MoAb 1-7-1 and 2-66-3 exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory effects in aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase activities induced by CCT application. MoAb 1-7-1 was substantially more effective in this respect. Epidermal and hepatic microsomes prepared from CCT-treated rats showed significantly greater metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene (BP). MoAb 1-7-1 and MoAb 2-66-3 inhibited BP metabolism in both the tissues. However, MoAb 1-7-1 was more inhibitory in this regard as compared to MoAb 2-66-3. These studies indicate that topical application of therapeutic CCT to the skin of neonatal rats results in induction of P-450 isozyme c in epidermis and isozymes b and c in liver, and that this induction is associated with the suppression of P-450 isozyme j in liver.

Isozyme-specific monoclonal antibody-directed assessment of induction of hepatic cytochrome p-450 by clotrimazole

Clotrimazole, an N-substituted imidazole widely used as an antifungal agent, has been shown to both inhibit and induce hepatic cytochrome P-450 and related monooxygenase activities. In this study the profile of hepatic cytochrome P-450 isozyme(s) induced by clotrimazole treatment of male Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated. Clotrimazole administration (100 mg/kg, daily for 4 days, ig) resulted in 86% induction of spectrally detectable cytochrome P-450 in hepatic microsomes. In these microsomes 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (126%), aminopyrine N-demethylase (176%), benzphetamine N-demethylase (117%), p-nitrophenol hydroxylase (89%), and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (62%) activities were significantly induced, whereas aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity remained unchanged. Characterization of cytochrome P-450 isozyme(s) in hepatic microsomes prepared from clotrimazole-treated animals was based on the immunoreactivity of these microsomes with highly specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised against 3-methylcholanthrene-specific P-450 (MAb 1-7-1), phenobarbital-specific P-450 (MAb 2-66-3), pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile-specific P-450 (MAb C2), and ethanol-inducible P-450 (MAb 1-98-1). Western blot analysis of hepatic microsomes prepared from clotrimazole-treated animals with MAb 2-66-3, MAb 1-98-1, and MAb C2 revealed strong immunoreactive bands, whereas moderate reactivity was observed with MAb 1-7-1. MAb 2-66-3 significantly inhibited 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity 45%), whereas MAb 1-7-1 moderately inhibited 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity (-30%) in clotrimazole-treated animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Epidermal cytochrome P-450: immunochemical characterization of isoform induced by topical application of 3-methylcholanthrene to neonatal rat

To further define the capacity of skin to metabolize various drugs and carcinogens by the cytochrome P-450 (P-450)-dependent monooxygenase, we studied the profile of P-450 isoform(s) in neonatal rat epidermis after application of 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) to skin. Highly specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 2-66-3 and 1-7-1 against purified rat liver P-450 isoforms b and c induced by phenobarbital and 3-MC, respectively, were used. After a single topical application of 3-MC to rats aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase and 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activities in epidermal microsomes were induced significantly. Radioimmunoassay of epidermal microsomes from untreated control animals with 35S-labeled MAb-2-66-3 showed significant binding whereas negligible binding with MAb 1-7-1 was observed. On the other hand significant binding was observed with 35S-labeled MAb 1-7-1 with epidermal microsomes prepared from 3-MC-treated animals. Histochemical staining of epidermis from control animals showed no immunoreactivity with either MAb 1-7-1 or MAb 2-66-3 whereas epidermis obtained from 3-MC-treated rats showed significant immunoreactivity with MAb 1-7-1. Western blot analysis of epidermal microsomes prepared from control animals showed no immunoreactivity with either MAb 1-7-1 or 2-66-3 whereas epidermal microsomes prepared from 3-MC-treated animals showed distinct immunoreactivity with MAb 1-7-1. MAb 2-66-3 inhibited AHH and 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase activity (40-50%) in microsomes prepared from control animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Androgen hydroxylation catalysed by a cell line (SD1) that stably expresses rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 PB-4 (IIB1)

Androgen hydroxylation catalysed by Chinese hamster fibroblast SD1 cells, which stably express cytochrome P-450 form PB-4, the rat P450IIB1 gene product, was assessed and compared to that catalysed by purified cytochrome P-450 PB-4 isolated from rat liver. SD1 cell homogenates catalysed the NADPH-dependent hydroxylation of androstenedione and testosterone with a regioselectivity very similar to that purified by P-450 PB-4 (16 beta-hydroxylation/16 alpha-hydroxylation = 6.0-6.8 for androstenedione; 16 beta/16 alpha = 0.9 for testosterone). Homogenates prepared from the parental cell line V79, which does not express detectable levels of P-450 PB-4 or any other cytochrome P-450, exhibited no androgen 16 beta- or 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity. The hydroxylase activities catalysed by the SD1 cell homogenate were selectively and quantitatively inhibited (greater than 90%) by a monoclonal antibody to P-450 PB-4 at a level of antibody (40 pmol of antibody binding sites/mg of SD1 homogenate) that closely corresponds to the P-450 PB-4 content of the cells (48 pmol of PB-4/mg of SD1 homogenate). Fractionation of cell homogenates into cytosol and microsomes revealed that the P-450 PB-4-mediated activities are associated with the membrane fraction. Although the P-450 PB-4-specific content of the SD1 microsomes was 15% of that present in phenobarbital-induced rat liver microsomes, the P-450 PB-4-dependent androstenedione 16 beta-hydroxylase activity of the SD1 membrane fraction was only 2-3% of that present in the liver microsomes. This activity could be stimulated several-fold, however, by supplementation of SD1 microsomes with purified rat NADPH P-450 reductase. These studies establish that a single P-450 gene product (IIB1) can account for the hydroxylation of androgen substrates at multiple sites, and suggest that SD1 cells can be used to assess the catalytic specificity of P-450 PB-4 with other substrates as well.

Evidence for a PCN-P450 enzyme in chickens and comparison of its development with that of other phenobarbital-inducible forms

Of four monoclonal antibodies to purified rat liver cytochrome P450s, including those from 3-methylcholanthrene-, phenobarbital-, ethanol-, and pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile-treated rats, only the monoclonal antibody against pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile-inducible P450 immunodetected proteins in chicken liver microsomes after blotting from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. This protein migrated identically with the pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile-inducible P450 detected in microsomes from dexamethasone-treated rats. It was most predominant in liver microsomes from chickens at 1 day posthatching, whereas much lower levels were observed in the embryo and at 36 days posthatch. Phenobarbital and dexamethasone were both effective inducers of this protein. The developmental profile and induction by phenobarbital and dexamethasone of several cytochrome P450-associated catalytic activities were compared with those of the immunodetected protein. Chicken liver microsomal erythromycin demethylase, a characteristic activity of rat pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile-inducible P450, was similar in developmental profile and induction to the immunodetected protein, with a high degree of augmentation at 1 day posthatch compared with that in the embryo and at 36 days posthatch; aldrin epoxidase, benzphetamine demethylase, ethylmorphine demethylase, and aminopyrine demethylase were more similar to each other in development and induction and were less well correlated with the immunodetected protein. This evidence suggests the presence in chicken liver of at least two types of P450, one a form related to the pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile-inducible P450 family. All of the catalytic activities were induced after pretreatment of chickens with phenobarbital but aldrin epoxidase was most effectively induced. Aldrin epoxidase was also detected in microsomes from untreated embryos as early as 7 days of incubation. Erythromycin demethylase was the only catalytic activity induced by dexamethasone. There was a trend of increased specific activity toward all the substances after hatching, indicating a more efficient P450 system, possibly due to a sharp increase in some isozymes, including the form from the pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile-inducible P450 family. This evidence for a pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile-inducible P450 in chickens agrees with sequence information that suggests the early evolution of this form and demonstrates the suitability of the chicken for studies of P450 evolution.

Bacillus subtilis subtilisin gene (aprE) is expressed from a sigma A (sigma 43) promoter in vitro and in vivo

In vitro studies demonstrated that the Bacillus subtilis subtilisin gene (aprE) could be transcribed by RNA polymerase holoenzyme reconstituted from core and sigma A factor obtained from vegetative cells. Upstream deletions (from -45) reduced the amount of transcription from the promoter. A deletion downstream of the promoter that overlapped a putative downstream minor promoter did not affect transcription from the sigma A promoter, which indicated that the putative downstream promoter is not utilized in vivo. S1 nuclease mapping studies showed that there was a low level of transcription from the subtilisin promoter during the growth phase and that the site of transcription initiation was the same during log and stationary phases. We conclude from these findings that there is only one promoter for the subtilisin gene and that it can be transcribed by the sigma A form of RNA polymerase in vitro.

Differential induction of fetal mouse liver and lung cytochromes P-450 by beta-naphthoflavone and 3-methylcholanthrene

Previous studies have shown that the incidences of liver and lung tumors in mice exposed transplacentally to 3-methyl-cholanthrene (MC) were significantly influenced by the sensitivity of both mothers and fetuses to induction of cytochrome(s) P-450 by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In order to delineate further the biochemical and molecular processes underlying the observed biological effects, the inductive effect of MC and beta-naphthoflavone (beta NF) on cytochrome P-450 was determined at the biochemical and molecular levels. C57BL/6 females were mated with DBA/2 males and treated i.p. on day 17 of gestation with olive oil alone, 150 mg/kg of beta NF or different doses of MC. At various times after injection the mothers were sacrificed and the fetuses removed for biochemical and molecular studies. MC caused maximal induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity by 8 h in both the liver and lung. beta NF caused nearly maximal induction of AHH activity by 8 h in the lung but had little effect on liver AHH activity at this time. Maximal induction with beta NF occurred by 24 h in both organs. Addition of monoclonal antibody 1-7-1, specific for the MC-inducible forms of cytochrome P-450 (P-450IA1 and A2), to the incubation mixtures resulted in a 55-70% inhibition of AHH activity in both lung and liver assays, regardless of the inducing agent used, while having no effect on AHH activity from oil-treated mice. RNA blot analysis carried out in parallel with enzyme assays demonstrated that the levels of enzyme activity correlated very well with the levels of steady-state RNAs. MC caused maximal induction of P-450IA1 RNA levels 4 h after injection in both organs and a biphasic secondary increase was observed in the lung. Maximal levels of P-450IA1 RNA were seen at 12-16 h following injection of beta NF. However, the ratio of P-450IA1 RNAs present at 16 versus 2 h in the beta NF-treated liver appeared greater than that in the lung. P-450IA2 was also induced in fetal liver and lung, but at low levels relative to P-450IA1. The results indicate that the increase in functional AHH activity was primarily due to induction of cytochrome P-450IA1. The differences in induction kinetics observed for cytochromes P-450IA1 and A2 suggest that these enzymes exhibit both tissue- and inducer-dependent specificity.

Effects of a series of 4-alkyl analogues of 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-trimethylpyridine on the major inducible cytochrome P-450 isozymes of rat liver

Various 4-alkyl analogues of 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-trimethylpyridine (DDC) cause mechanism-based inactivation of cytochrome P-450 (P-450) by destroying the heme prosthetic group. We have examined the isozyme selectivity of representative DDC analogues with respect to the major inducible P-450 isozymes of rat liver. Hepatic microsomes from untreated, phenobarbital (PB)-treated, beta-naphthoflavone (beta NF)-treated, and dexamethasone (DEX)-treated rats were incubated with a DDC analogue and NADPH and were subsequently analyzed for P-450 and heme content, P-450 isozyme immunoreactivity, and enzyme activity. Compared with the uninduced state, 4-isopropyl-DDC caused slightly less P-450 destruction following beta NF induction and much greater destruction following DEX pretreatment. Also, 4-hexyl-DDC was found to cause less P-450 destruction following PB or DEX pretreatment, compared with results obtained with untreated rats. These results suggest that DDC analogues possess different isozyme selectivity profiles. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against the major inducible isozymes of P-450 were used to probe Western blots of microsomal protein following DDC analogue treatment. The formation of lower molecular mass (45-55 kDa) immunoreactive proteins in microsomes from beta NF-treated rats following DDC analogue treatment was revealed by two MAbs (1-31-2 and 1-36-1), suggesting that the apoprotein of the major beta NF-inducible isozyme, P-450c, is subject to alteration by DDC analogues. In microsomes from DEX-treated rats, DDC analogues caused the formation of higher molecular mass (80, 94, and 115 kDa) proteins showing immunoreactivity with MAb 2-13-1, directed against a major DEX-inducible isozyme belonging to the P-450p family. These immunochemical findings are supported by the demonstration that DDC analogues also caused mechanism-based inhibition of the catalytic activity of P-450c (7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase) and P-450p (erythromycin N-demethylase) but not that of the major PB-inducible isozyme, P-450b (7-pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase). The combined immunochemical and enzymic studies indicate that rat liver P-450 c and p are targets for mechanism-based inactivation by DDC analogues.

Monoclonal antibody-directed characterization of rat hepatic P450 catalyzing the omega-1 and omega-2 hydroxylation of prostaglandins

Previous studies have demonstrated that methylcholanthrene (MC) treatment of rats increases 10-fold the omega-2 hydroxylation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by liver microsomes (K. A. Holm, R. J. Engell, and D. Kupfer (1985) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 237, 477-489). The current study identifies the cytochrome P450 form, which catalyzes a major portion of the omega-2 hydroxylation of prostaglandins in liver microsomes of MC-treated rats (MC-microsomes) and examines whether the same enzyme catalyzes this reaction in microsomes from untreated rats (control microsomes). Three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), MC 1-7-1, 1-31-2, and 1-36-1, raised against the major liver P450 from MC-treated rats were used. MAb 1-7-1 binds P450(57K) and P450(56K) (P450c and P450d, respectively); MAb 1-31-2 binds primarily P450(57K); and 1-36-1 binds solely P450(57k). MAb 1-7-1 inhibited omega-2 and omega-1 PGE2 hydroxylations in MC-microsomes by 70 and 45%, respectively. By contrast, MAb 1-31-2 and 1-36-1 were not inhibitory. MAb 1-7-1 did not inhibit PGE2 omega-2 hydroxylation in control or in microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats (PB-microsomes). Since MAb 1-7-1 binds to both P450c and P450d, and 1-31-2 and 1-36-1 bind to P450c but are not inhibitory, these findings did not permit the determination of whether in MC microsomes a single isozyme (P450c or P450d) or both isozymes catalyze the omega-2 hydroxylation. This question was partially resolved by the observation that immunoaffinity-isolated P450c, supplemented with purified NADPH-P450 reductase, catalyzes effectively the omega-2 hydroxylation and to a lesser extent the omega-1 hydroxylation. There was no activity in the absence of reductase. The P450 antibody complex exhibits characteristics similar to those of the omega-2 hydroxylating activity in intact MC-microsomes supported by H2O2, by demonstrating a much higher activity when H2O2 is used instead of reductase and NADPH. Furthermore, a reconstituted monooxygenase composed of rat liver reductase and P450c, purified by conventional means, hydroxylated PGE2 at the omega-2 and omega-1 sites at a ratio of 2.8, similar to that obtained with the P450-antibody complex. These findings demonstrate that a major portion of the omega-2 hydroxylation of PGs in MC-microsomes is catalyzed by P450c; however, the possibility that some omega-2 hydroxylating activity is due to P450d was not ruled out.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Induction of rat hepatic N-nitrosodimethylamine demethylase by acetone is due to protein stabilization

The N-nitrosodimethylamine demethylase (P450I-IE1) is induced severalfold in liver by giving rats ethanol, acetone, pyrazole, and other related small molecular weight compounds. This induction is not the result of an increase in IIE1 mRNA, but could be due to either an increase in translation rate or a decrease in protein degradation. To determine the mechanism of induction, we measured IIE1 synthesis and degradation rates in untreated and acetone-treated rats. This was accomplished by immunopurification of radiolabeled IIE1 protein using a specific monoclonal antibody subsequent to in vivo labeling of total cellular protein with either NaH14CO3 or [3H]leucine. We found that in rats fed acetone, the rate of IIE1 synthesis was not changed; however, IIE1 degradation was markedly altered. In untreated rats, IIE1 protein was degraded via a biphasic pathway consisting of both a rapid and slow component with approximate half-lives of 7 and 37 h, respectively. However, in acetone-treated rats, only a monophasic curve with a half-life of 37 h was observed. The abolition of the rapid degradation component of the IIE1 turnover cycle indicates that induction of IIE1 by acetone is primarily due to specific stabilization of IIE1 protein. Since acetone is also metabolized by IIE1, we believe that this may be a substrate-induced enzyme stabilization.

Human liver cytochrome P-450 related to a rat acetone-inducible, nitrosamine-metabolizing cytochrome P-450: identification and isolation

A monoclonal antibody (MAb) to a rat acetone-inducible and nitrosamine-metabolizing form of microsomal cytochrome P-450, P-450ac, detected a related P-450 in human liver microsomes by both immunoblot and competitive radioimmunoassay. This MAb was also used to immunopurify microsomal cytochromes P-450 from both human liver and acetone-treated rats; these were electrophoretically homogeneous with apparent molecular weights of 56,200 and 53,000 daltons, respectively. The structures of the cytochromes P-450 were compared by peptide mapping and amino-terminal sequence analyses. They differed in their peptide maps but displayed amino-terminal sequence similarity in their first 19 residues. This report thus demonstrates the utility of MAbs to rat cytochromes P-450 for detection, identification and structural characterization of human P-450s.

Comparison of the formation of benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide-DNA adducts in vitro by rat and human microsomes: evidence for the involvement of P-450IA1 and P-450IA2

The involvement of cytochrome P-450 isozymes in the activation of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) by human placental and liver microsomes was studied in vitro using monoclonal antibodies (Mab) toward the major 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)-inducible and phenobarbital-inductible rat liver P-450 isozymes (Mab 1-7-1 and Mab 2-66-3, respectively). Microsomes from human placenta and liver and rat liver were incubated with BP and DNA, and BP-diolepoxide-DNA (BPDE-DNA) adducts were measured by synchronous fluorescence spectrophotometry (SFS). The only BP metabolite giving the same fluorescence peak as chemically modified BPDE-DNA was BP-7,8-dihydrodiol. Five (smokers) out of 29 human placentas (smokers and nonsmokers), and five out of nine human livers were able to metabolically activate BP to BPDE-DNA adducts in this system. The Mab 1-7-1 totally inhibited the formation of BPDE-DNA adducts in placental microsomal incubations. Inhibition using rat or human liver microsomes was 50-60% and about 90%, respectively. The Mab 2-66-3 had no effect in any of the microsome types. Adduct formation was inhibited more strongly and at lower concentrations of Mab 1-7-1 compared with the inhibition of AHH activity. This study is a clear indication of the major role of P-450IA1 (P-450c) in human placenta and probably P-450IA2 (P-450d) in human liver in BP activation, while other isozymes also take part in the activation in rat liver. Furthermore, this clearly indicates that AHH activity and BP activation are not necessarily associated.

Monoclonal antibody directed detection of cytochrome P-450 (PCN) in human fetal liver

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised to rat liver cytochrome P-450s induced by phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene, and pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile were used to detect these epitope specific P-450s in human abortion fetuses 14-24 weeks of age. This was performed using a Western blot technique. In parallel, ECOD was determined in the same tissue specimens. Of seven different MAbs used MAb PCN 2-13-1/C2 was the only one that immunodetected a cytochrome P-450 band with Western blot analyses of human fetal liver microsomes. This band was consistently detected in all fetal liver specimens studied although the intensity varied among samples. No bands were detected in microsomal preparations from adrenal and renal tissues obtained from the same fetuses. The human adult liver microsomal specimens also contained a MAb PCN 2-13-1/C2 identified cytochrome P-450 band. ECOD activity was detected in all but one of the human fetal livers and varied between 0.22 and 47.5 pmol min-1 mg protein-1, as compared to 113 to 489 pmol min-1 mg protein-1 in human adult livers. In all of the fetuses except one the adrenal ECOD activity (0.63-37.0 pmol min-1 mg protein-1) exceeded that in the liver. The renal ECOD activities were, however, low. The hepatic and adrenal ECOD activities correlated with each other (r = 0.95). Although the ECOD activity is a function of several different P-450s there was also a correlation (r = 0.78) between the ECOD activity and the MAb immunodetected protein band intensity in Western blots of human fetal liver microsomes. The presence of a MAb PCN 2-13-1/C2 identified band in fetal liver microsomes may be indicative of a steroid-dependent effect in fetal life.

Pyrazole is different from acetone and ethanol as an inducer of the polysubstrate monooxygenase system in mice: evidence that pyrazole-inducible P450Coh is distinct from acetone-inducible P450ac

The induction of liver microsomal monooxygenase activities elicited by pyrazole, ethanol, and acetone, all shown to be inducers of rat P450j and rabbit P450LM3a, has been compared in inbred strains of DBA/2N, AKR/J, and Balb/c mouse. Pyrazole strongly increases coumarin 7-hydroxylase (COH) activity in DBA/2N but much less in other strains. The effect of pyrazole on aniline p-hydroxylase and ethanol oxidase activities is also strain dependent: an increase was seen only in the DBA/2N strain. Ethanol and acetone were unable to induce COH, whereas aniline p-hydroxylase and ethanol oxidase were elevated about 1.4- to 3.3-fold in all strains. No strain difference could be detected in aniline p-hydroxylase or ethanol oxidase inducibility. There was a strong correlation between aniline p-hydroxylase and ethanol oxidase activities in every strain, whereas no positive correlation could be found between COH and aniline p-hydroxylase activities. Immunoinhibition experiments showed that a polyclonal antibody against purified pyrazole-inducible COH (P450Coh) blocked about 90% of COH activity, but only about 10% of aniline p-hydroxylase or ethanol oxidase in mouse liver microsomes. Monoclonal antibody 1-91-3 (raised against rat acetone-inducible P450ac) did not inhibit COH, whereas aniline p-hydroxylase was blocked 46-76% and ethanol oxidase 25-70%, depending on the source of microsomes. In immunoblots, anti-P450Coh recognized only its own antigen but not the P450ac, whereas monoclonal antibody 1-98-1 against P450ac detected P450ac and a corresponding form in the D2 mouse liver, but not the P450Coh. The purified P450ac and P450Coh had molecular masses of 52 and 50 kDa, respectively, on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These antigens were expressed differentially in response to pyrazole, ethanol, and acetone: P450Coh was increased only after pyrazole treatment, but 1-98-1-detectable protein was elevated in D2 mouse liver microsomes by ethanol and acetone, but not by pyrazole. We conclude that mouse P450Coh and rat P450ac are not corresponding forms of the same isozyme, and that a P450ac-like protein, responsible for most of aniline p-hydroxylation and ethanol oxidation, is present in the D2 mouse liver. These two P450 isozymes are also dissimilarly expressed in the mouse liver in response to inducer administration.

Distribution and induction sites of phenobarbital- and 3-methylcholanthrene-inducible cytochromes P-450 in murine liver: immunohistochemical localization with monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies specific for cytochromes P-450 induced by 3-methylcholanthrene (Mab 1-7-1) and phenobarbital (Mab 2-66-3) have been used in an unlabeled peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical procedure to investigate the intralobular distribution and induction sites of the hemoproteins within the livers of CD-1, C57BL/6, and DBA/2 mice. 3-Methylcholanthrene-specific cytochromes P-450 were localized predominantly in centrilobular hepatocytes of control mice from all strains and were present at higher levels in CD-1 and C57BL/6 mice than in DBA/2 mice. Treatment with either 3-methylcholanthrene or beta-naphthoflavone produced striking increases of 3-methylcholanthrene-specific cytochromes P-450 in hepatocytes from all regions of the hepatic lobule in CD-1 and C57BL/6 mice, but not in DBA/2 mice. Phenobarbital-specific cytochromes P-450 were localized in hepatocytes throughout all segments of the lobule in control mice, with slightly greater hemoprotein content in centrilobular hepatocytes. Treatment with phenobarbital resulted in enhancement of cytochrome P-450 that was visualized in hepatocytes in all regions of the lobule. Strain-related differences were not observed for phenobarbital-specific cytochromes P-450. These results demonstrate that constitutive levels of 3-methylcholanthrene- and phenobarbital-specific cytochromes P-450 are localized predominantly in centrilobular hepatocytes of murine livers, and induction of the hemoproteins is manifested to the greatest extent in periportal hepatocytes, resulting in a more uniform distribution throughout the hepatic lobule.

Oncogene expression detected by in situ hybridization in human primary lung cancer

By means of in situ hybridization using biotinylated oncogene probes and the immunohistochemical reaction of avidin-biotin complex-alkaline phosphatase with substrate, we investigated expression of c-myc oncogene in the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from seven patients with squamous cell carcinoma (six cases) and small cell carcinoma (one case) of primary lung origin. The expression of c-myc oncogene was greatly enhanced in all cases studied, with individual and cell-to-cell variation. In contrast, all of the specimens incubated with deoxyribonuclease after the standard pretreatment with ribonuclease T1 were negative for the expression of c-myc oncogene. The in situ hybridization permits estimation of a heterogeneous amplification of c-myc oncogene that may be related to secondary alterations occurring during the progression of the malignant lung tumors.

Mouse hepatic cytochrome P-450 isozyme induction by 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene, pyrazole, and phenobarbital

The effects of 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP) and pyrazole on mouse hepatic cytochrome P-450 isozyme expression were compared to the P-450 induction pattern elicited by phenobarbital. TCPOBOP and PB administration caused a similar induction profile by increasing microsomal protein and cytochrome P-450 content and the catalytic activities of several monooxygenases in DBA/2N and AKR/J mice. There were, however, several quantitative and some qualitative differences in the induction profile caused by phenobarbital and TCPOBOP. A few strain-related differences were also observed. Immunoblot analysis with polyclonal anti-coumarin hydroxylase (P-450Coh) antibody and epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies 1-7-1 and 2-66-3 showed that both phenobarbital and TCPOBOP increase the amount of P450IIB and P-450Coh. TCPOBOP caused a more pronounced increase in the amount of P-450IIB than phenobarbital, and TCPOBOP also caused an increase in the amount of P-450IA2. These data suggest that in the mouse, TCPOBOP increases mainly the expression of P-450 isozymes responsive to phenobarbital. The effects of pyrazole differed greatly from those caused by TCPOBOP and phenobarbital. In the DBA/2N mice, pyrazole increased coumarin 7-hydroxylation 9.4-fold, whereas in the AKR/J mice the activity was induced only to a level equivalent to the DBA/2N basal level. In immunoblot experiments with anti-P-450Coh antibody, the amount of P-450Coh was considerably higher in DBA/2N mice treated with phenobarbital, TCPOBOP, or pyrazole in comparison with the AKR/J mice, indicating a strain specificity in the inducibility of coumarin 7-hydroxylase by pyrazole.

Effect of effort versus volume on forced expiratory flow measurement

Recently, the validity of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards for selection of spirometric test results has been questioned based on the finding of inverse dependence of FEV1 on effort. I carried out a study to determine how the test results of FEV1 and FEF25-75 are affected by use of effort-based criteria (highest PEFR) as compared with the volume-based criteria (largest FVC, largest sum of FVC and FEV1-ATS criteria). Randomly sampled routine pulmonary function test results obtained from 10 normal subjects and 12 patients with COPD were analyzed. Although selection based on the largest FVC yielded test results identical to that obtained by the ATS criteria, selection based on the highest PEFR resulted in a decline of mean FEV1. The latter, however, was accompanied by an even more significant decrease of FVC, suggesting bias of this criterion toward selecting the maneuvers with lower FVC. Furthermore, the individual values of FEV1 were often found to decrease with effort only when the accompanying FVC were also lower. In contrast, FEF25-75 were more prominently affected by the negative effect of effort regardless of the values of accompanying FVC. It appears that fully inflated lungs (the largest FVC) favorably shift the balance of two opposing influences of effort, one of which positively acts on the effort-dependent portion of the flow-volume curve. FEV1 thus is little affected by effort once the lungs are fully inflated. Accordingly, the volume-based selection criteria remain valid. This argument does not apply to FEF25-75, which is prominently affected by the negative effect of effort.

Computerized quality control of radioimmunoassay in Korea

Automated data processing and quality control of radioimmunoassays offer not only increased speed but also a more thorough and statistically rigorous analysis of results. An external quality assessment scheme for serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) assays was performed in five nuclear medicine laboratories in Korea to compare with the assay performances of the World Health Organization Radioimmunoassay Program. The required radioimmunoassay kits were supplied through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We have determined the weighted root mean squared error, and variance ratio as the indices of standard curve and also the average batch coefficient of variation (ABCV) as the parameters of response error relationship curve and precision profile. There was a good fit for the triiodothyronine assay, but 3 of 5 laboratories showed possible bad fit in the T4 and TSH assay systems. The ABCV was less than 5 percent for the T3 and T4 assay system, however for the TSH system, only 1 laboratory showed the ABCV value of less than 5 percent. We have also calculated the within batch variation (drift) and between laboratory variations.

7-Ethoxycoumarin and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase in human foetal and adult liver: studies with monoclonal antibodies

The 7-ethoxycoumarin and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities were investigated in the microsomal fractions from 5 human adult and 3 foetal livers and 5 human foetal adrenals. The enzyme activity expressed as pmol/min. per mg microsomal protein was higher with 7-ethoxyresorufin as substrate in all investigated specimens with average values (+/- S.E.M.) of 74 +/- 27, 13 +/- 3 and 12 +/- 1 in adult and foetal livers and foetal adrenals, respectively. Monoclonal antibodies raised against 3-methylchloranthrene or phenobarbital induced rat liver cytochrome P-450 were investigated with respect to their inhibiting effects on the rate of O-deethylation of both substrates in human adult liver. Only the monoclonal antibody against the 3-methylcholanthrene induced cytochrome P-450 inhibited the O-deethylation of 7-ethoxyresorufin to 64 to 79 percent of control values. The other antibody had no effect on this or the other O-deethylase activity. Thus, the 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase is partly catalyzed in human adult liver by a cytochrome with an epitope that is recognized by the monoclonal antibody against 3-methylcholanthrene induced rat liver cytochrome P-450. With foetal liver the low activity of the enzyme became unmeasurable in the presence of this antibody.

Mechanism of induction of cytochrome P-450ac (P-450j) in chemically induced and spontaneously diabetic rats

Previous studies demonstrated that a microsomal high-affinity N-nitrosodimethylamine demethylase activity and cytochrome P-450ac (an acetone/ethanol-inducible form) were induced by streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. In the present work, the induction was studied in detail in two chemically induced (by streptozotocin and alloxan) diabetic rat models and one spontaneously (BB/Wor) diabetic rat model. All the diabetic conditions caused increases in three parameters: (a) microsomal N-nitrosodimethylamine demethylase activity which is known to be a good indicator of the level of P-450ac; (b) the levels of P-450ac as determined by immunoblot analysis; and (c) the levels of mRNA of P-450ac as determined by hybridization assays with a cDNA probe for this enzyme. These increases were abolished by treatment of the diabetic rats with insulin. The results suggest that the pathophysiological condition of diabetes is responsible for the induction of P-450ac and elevation of mRNA is involved in all of the three diabetic models investigated.

Immunohistochemical detection of human placental cytochrome P-450-associated mono-oxygenase system inducible by maternal cigarette smoking

Several xenobiotic-metabolizing mono-oxygenase activities, in conjunction with the immunohistochemical localization of the respective cytochrome P-450 forms, were investigated in placentae from smoking and non-smoking women. The antibodies used in the immunohistochemical analyses were monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 1-7-1 and 2-66-3, prepared against the 3-methylcholanthrene-induced and phenobarbital-induced rat liver P-450, respectively. The mono-oxygenase activities were higher in placental microsomes from smokers, although no difference was observed in microsomal P-450 content. A distinct positive staining with MAb 1-7-1 was detectable in the trophoblastic layer of all placentae from smokers. In placentae from non-smokers, minimal cytoplasmic staining was observed in large villi in a few trophoblastic cells. The staining reaction was negative when MAb 2-66-3 or non-specific antibody were used. These results demonstrate that maternal cigarette smoking induces in the trophoblastic layer of the placenta a cytochrome P-450 form which is detectable immunohistochemically with the monoclonal antibody to 3-methylcholanthrene-inducible P-450 in rat liver.

Structure and regulation of the ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450j

Specific polyclonal antisera against microsomal ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450 (P450j, P450IIE) were prepared and utilized to isolate cDNA for P450j from lambda gt11 cDNA libraries. The longest cDNAs encoding P450j of rat and human were completely sequenced. The rat P450j sequence was compared to those of other P450s (P450II gene family members) to determine the structural similarity. Southern-blot analysis of rat and human genomic DNAs verified that only a single gene shared extensive homology with P450j. Cloned P450j cDNA and antibodies were used to study the expression of P450j gene during development and by various inducers as well as in pathological conditions. By combination of cDNA hybridization and immunoblot analyses, three types of P450j gene expression were observed: transcriptional activation during development; post-transcriptional activation (probably via protein stabilization) by various inducers such as pyrazole, 4-methylpyrazole, acetone, and ethanol; and mRNA stabilization in diabetic and starved animals. These three different types of P450j induction appeared to be present not only in liver but also in lung and kidney tissues.

Ontogenic development of 7-ethoxycoumarin and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase in the rat and effect of monoclonal antibodies

The O-deethylase activities with 7-ethoxycoumarin (ECDE) and 7-ethoxyresorufin (ERDE) as substrates were investigated in the liver microsomal fraction of newborn, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months old rats. The rates of O-deethylation of both substrates were lowest in newborn rats at which stage the specific activities (pmol x min.-1 x mg-1 protein; mean +/- S.D.) of ECDE and ERDE were 19.0 +/- 0.2 and 6.0 +/- 0.5, respectively. In 1 week old animals, the rate of ECDE had reached the highest values (270 +/- 81 pmol x min.-1 x mg-1 protein). Thereafter, it decreased to a minimum (70.9 +/- 14.8 pmolmin.-1 x mg-1 protein) at 2 months of age. The rate of ERDE reached the highest activity (129 +/- 7.1 pmol x min.-1 x mg-1 protein) in 1 month old animals. The effects monoclonal of antibodies (MAb), on ECDE and ERDE were studied. The MAb were raised against 3-methylcholanthrene (MAb 1-7-1) or phenobarbital (MAB 2-66-3) induced rat liver microsomal cytochrome P-450. Only the former antibodies were inhibitory to the O-deethylation of 7-ethoxyresorufin. This reaction was inhibited to a similar extent (by 31-33%) in rat liver microsomes from 1 week and 2 months old animals. None of the antibodies exerted any effect on the O-deethylation of 7-ethoxycoumarin.

A monoclonal antibody against cytochrome P-450 enhances mutagen activation of N-nitrosodimethylamine by mouse liver S9: studies on the mode of action

The effect of the monoclonal antibody MAb 2-66-3, directed against the major rat liver phenobarbital (PB)-induced cytochrome P-450 (P-450), on the S9-mediated mutagenicity of N-nitrosodimethylamine (DMN) in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA1530 was studied using liver S9 from PB-treated mice. This MAb enhanced approximately 2-fold S9-mediated mutagenicity of DMN but inhibited both its N-demethylation and N-denitrosation by 50%. Thus MAb-mediated enhancement of DMN mutagenesis does not result from altered activation/inactivation pathways, both known to involve P-450 isozymes. DMSO, a hydroxyl radical (HO.) scavenger and desferrioxamine, an inhibitor of HO.-dependent reactions, quenched the MAb-mediated enhancement of DMN mutagenesis, implicating the HO.-dependent activation of DMN to mutagenic species. As a mechanism, we propose that the binding of this MAb to P-450 isozyme implicated in DMN metabolism decreases the functional coupling between the reductase and the P-450 complex, leading to an increased electron flow from the reductase towards molecular oxygen to form reduced oxygen species (HO.) at the expense of the monooxygenase functions.

Monoclonal antibody characterization of hepatic and extrahepatic cytochrome P-450 activities in rats treated with phenobarbital or methylcholanthrene and fed various cholesterol diets

Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)- and phenobarbital (PB)-inducible forms of cytochrome P-450 isozyme were used to characterize changes in aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECDE) activities modulated by dietary cholesterol. Rats were induced by MC or PB, and immunochemical inhibition of AHH and ECDE activities was studied as an indication of changes in cytochrome P-450 isozyme patterns. Feeding of a cholesterol-free diet markedly decreased enzyme activities both in liver and in small intestinal mucosa, and the highest activities were observed after feeding rats a high (2%)-cholesterol diet for one month. As a control, a normal pelleted diet (0.1% cholesterol) was used; in rats fed this diet, intermediate levels of monooxygenase activities were present. Although no diet-dependent change in total AHH and ECDE activities was observed in kidneys and lungs, diet apparently modulated isozyme composition in the lungs, as indicated by a change in the immunochemical inhibition pattern with MAb; no such shift was observed in the kidneys. In liver and intestine, in addition to changes in total activity, isozyme composition was also altered, as indicated by inhibition of the catalytic activities of cytochrome P-450 by MAb. Our data infer that dietary cholesterol can: (i) modulate total monooxygenase activities, especially in the intestine; (ii) change the cytochrome P-450 isozyme composition in liver and intestine; (iii) change isozyme composition without changing overall enzyme activity, e.g. in lungs; and (iv) have no effect in a tissue (e.g. kidney) that lacks constitutionally the P-450 isozyme responsive to cholesterol.

Immunohistochemical determination of inducibility phenotype with a monoclonal antibody to a methylcholanthrene-inducible isozyme of cytochrome P-450

A monoclonal antibody (MAb) to a methylcholanthrene (MC)-induced cytochrome P-450, designated MAb 1-7-1, was used for immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed tissues from oil- and MC-treated C57BL/6, DBA/2, and [(C57BL/6 X DBA/2) F1 X DBA/2] F2 mice. An avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex immunohistochemical technique was used. For controls, the tissues were also exposed to MAbs 1-48-5 and HyHel-9 (to egg white lysozyme). In liver, MAb 1-7-1 specifically stained the cytoplasm of centrilobular hepatocytes of C57BL/6 mice treated with MC (80 mg/kg) 48 h before kill; staining was not observed with vehicle-treated C57BL/6 mice, with oil- or MC-treated DBA/2 mice, or with comparable antibody concentrations of control MAbs 1-48-5 or HyHel-9. In the F2 mice, about 50% were expected to be MC inducible (AhbAhd). Inducibility phenotype was determined by measuring the conversion of [14C]MC to oxidized and conjugated products by liver homogenates. In freshly fixed material from MC-treated mice, those livers shown by the determination of phenotype to be inducible also stained with MAb 1-7-1, whereas those not induced were immunohistochemically negative. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between degree of staining and the level of MC-metabolizing activity measured biochemically. The immunohistochemical procedure was also accurate in determination of inducibility phenotype of livers that had been in paraffin blocks for up to 2 yr if more concentrated antibody was used. In lung, MAb 1-7-1 stained specifically the alveolar walls and endothelium of blood vessels in MC-induced C57BL/6 mice only; the control MAbs and other mice gave negative results. Similarly, in kidney MAb 1-7-1 stained only glomeruli and interstitial tissue of MC-induced C57BL/6 mice and only endothelium of blood vessels in the colons of these mice. These observations are consistent with induction of the cytochrome P-450 recognized by MAb 1-7-1 in the endothelial cells of extrahepatic tissue. Immunohistochemical staining with MAb thus shows great promise for highly specific localization of particular species of cytochromes P-450 in tissues, for in situ quantification of these enzymes, and for determination of inducibility phenotype with fixed material.

Monoclonal antibodies inhibitory to rat hepatic cytochromes P-450: P-450 form specificities and use as probes for cytochrome P-450-dependent steroid hydroxylations

Cytochrome P-450 (P-450) form specificities were established for a total of nine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised to four distinct rat hepatic P-450 enzymes (P-450s 2c, PB-2a, PB-4, and BNF-B), using a combination of enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis, dot immunoblotting, Western blotting, Ouchterlony immunodiffusion, and immunoinhibition analyses. Four of the MAbs were fully (greater than or equal to 85%) inhibitory toward the corresponding immunoreactive P-450s when assayed in purified, reconstituted enzyme systems, while two of the MAbs were partially inhibitory, with a maximum of 50 or 80% inhibition achieved in the presence of saturating MAb. Inhibitory MAbs reactive with P-450s 2c, 3, and PB-4, respectively, were used to demonstrate that the formation of multiple hydroxytestosterone metabolites by each of the respective purified P-450 enzymes is reflective of their inherent catalytic specificities and not due to the presence of immunochemical distinguishable P-450 enzyme contaminants. P-450 form-specific contributions to rat hepatic microsomal steroid hormone hydroxylase activities were then assessed using the inhibitory MAbs as probes. MAb-reactive P-450 2c was shown to be the major (greater than or equal to 85%) catalyst of microsomal testosterone and androstenedione 16 alpha-hydroxylation in both untreated and beta-naphthoflavone-induced rats. However, this P-450 form catalyzed only approximately 30% of hepatic microsomal steroid 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity in phenobarbital-induced adult males, and less than or equal to 10% of steroid 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity in (phenobarbital-induced immature males or adult females, where the balance of 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity is catalyzed by MAb-reactive P-450 PB-4. Although MAb-reactive P-450 PB-4 catalyzed the majority (greater than or equal to 90%) of microsomal androstenedione 16 beta-hydroxylation in phenobarbital-induced rats, this P-450 enzyme did not contribute to the low level 16 beta-hydroxylase activity of uninduced liver samples. Finally, MAb-reactive P-450 3 catalyzed at least 85% of microsomal androstenedione 7 alpha-hydroxylation, independent of the age, sex, or induction status of the animals used as source of liver microsomes. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of MAbs as probes for the contributions of individual P-450 enzymes to the metabolism of steroid hormones susceptible to hydroxylation at multiple sites.

Use of monoclonal antibodies to characterize the induction response of the cytochrome P-450-dependent mixed function oxidase system to nitrofluoranthenes

In prior studies with neonatal rats we have suggested that nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAH) are 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) type of inducers of cytochrome P-450. These observations have been extended by studying the effect of fluoranthene (FL) and its nitrated derivative, 3-nitrofluoranthene (3-NF) and a mixture of nitrated fluoranthenes (NFs) on the induction of hepatic and pulmonary monooxygenase activities in adult rats. We have characterized the effect of these compounds on hepatic cytochrome P-450 isozyme(s) using immunoblot analysis. The administration of 3-NF and NFs to rats resulted in highly significant induction (1.9- to 5.8-fold) of hepatic and pulmonary aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (ERD) activities. FL was either ineffective or much less effective in inducing these enzyme activities. The enzyme induction response to these compounds occurred in the following order: NFs greater than 3-NF greater than FL. SDS-PAGE of hepatic microsomes prepared from FL-, 3-NF- and NFs-treated animals revealed a higher content of protein migrating in the P-450 region. Characterization of isozymes of P-450 was carried out by Western blot analysis with highly specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb) raised against 3-MC-specific P-450 (MAb 1-7-1) and phenobarbital-specific P-450 (MAb-2-66-3) isozymes. Hepatic microsomes prepared from 3-NF- and NFs-treated rats showed two distinct immunoprecipitin bands with MAb 1-7-1 whereas microsomes prepared from FL-treated animals showed a sharp band with MAb 2-66-3. MAb 1-7-1 significantly inhibited (approximately 80%) AHH activity induced by 3-NF and NFs. On the other hand FL-induced AHH activity was only moderately (approximately 30%) inhibited by MAb 1-7-1 whereas higher inhibition (approximately 60%) was observed with MAb 2-66-3. Analysis of BP metabolites by h.p.l.c. revealed enhanced production of metabolites by liver microsomes from 3-NF- and NFs-treated animals. The formation of BP 7,8-diol was 1.8- to 2.4-fold increased following treatment of animals with 3-NF and NFs respectively. Addition of MAb 1-7-1 to a microsomal mixture from 3-NF- and NFs-treated rats inhibited the formation of BP phenols (60-75%) and BP 7,8 diol (52-60%). These inhibitory effects were not observed with microsomes prepared from FL-treated rats. These studies suggest that NFs induce specific monooxygenases in liver and that they are inducers of P-450 isozymes c and d.

Stabilization of cytochrome P450j messenger ribonucleic acid in the diabetic rat

Cytochrome P450j, an enzyme involved in nitrosamine metabolism, is expressed in hepatic, pulmonary, and renal tissues and its level is elevated in ethanol- and acetone-treated rats as well as in diabetic rats induced by either streptozotocin or alloxan. Although P450j protein is substantially elevated by all inducing regimens, only in diabetic rats is P450j mRNA increased 10-fold. Nuclear run-on transcription analysis showed that this mRNA increase is not due to transcriptional activation but is due to specific stabilization of the P450j mRNA.

Studies on the metabolism of aminopyrine, antipyrine and theophylline using monoclonal antibodies to cytochrome P-450 isozymes purified from rat liver

We investigated the role played by monoclonal antibody defined classes of cytochrome P-450 in the metabolism of antipyrine, aminopyrine and theophylline. Two enzyme inhibitory monoclonal antibodies (MAb 1-7-1 and MAb 2-66-3) raised to two forms of cytochrome P-450 were used. Microsomes were prepared from the livers of untreated, 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)-treated, and phenobarbital (PB)-treated male Wistar rats. Addition of either monoclonal antibody to hepatic microsomes from untreated rats had a negligible effect on the metabolism of aminopyrine, antipyrine or theophylline. These results indicate that the constitutive enzymes responsible for metabolism of these three drugs differ from the MAb inhibitable enzymes responsible for transformation of these drugs in induced microsomes. In microsomes from MC- and PB-treated rats, however, the two MAbs differentially inhibited individual pathways. For example, at 20 mM aminopyrine, as much as 55% of 4-amino-antipyrine (4-AA) formation arose from the family of cytochrome P-450 isozymes that were not inhibited for 4-AA formation at 4 mM aminopyrine and 4-methylaminoantipyrine (4-MAA) formation at either concentration. Thus, the enzyme that functions at 20 mM aminopyrine in 4-MAA formation differs from that which functions at 4 mM aminopyrine in the formation of 4-AA or 4-MAA. Addition of MAbs to induced microsomes revealed at least four isozymes with overlapping specificities involved in antipyrine and theophylline metabolism. Each MAb-inhibitable pathway and the isozymes associated with it were classified into one of three epitope families: those pathways inhibited by both MAbs, those inhibited only by the MAb raised against PB-inducible P-450 isozymes, and those inhibited only by the MAb raised against 3-MC-inducible P-450 isozymes. A fourth group of pathways consisted of those unaffected by addition of either monoclonal antibody. Analysis of metabolism with these two MAbs suggests more extensive heterogeneity of the isozymes that biotransform these drugs than previously recognized.

Monoclonal antibodies to ethanol-induced rat liver cytochrome P-450 that metabolizes aniline and nitrosamines

Hybridomas were prepared from mouse myeloma cells and spleen cells derived from female BALB/c mice that had been immunized with a partially purified ethanol-induced rat liver cytochrome P-450 (P-450et). Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) produced by the hybridomas were screened for binding to P-450et with a radioimmunoassay. Thirty-one independent hybrid clones produced MAbs that had a high affinity for P-450et. Each clone produced MAbs of a single subclass of the mouse immunoglobulins IgG1, IgG2a, IgM, or IgA. Ten of the 31 MAbs also immunoprecipitated P-450et as determined by Ouchterlony double-immunodiffusion analyses. One of the MAbs was tested for cross-reactivity with other rabbit and rat liver cytochromes P-450 and was found not to cross-react with rat liver P-450 induced by either phenobarbital, beta-naphthoflavone, or rabbit liver P-450LM2 or P-450LM4. Nine of the MAbs were tested for cross-reactivity with rat liver clofibrate-induced P-450, rat liver pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile-induced P-450, and a human liver P-450. All the MAbs showed no cross-reactivity except for one MAb which cross-reacted with both pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile and human P-450 and three MAbs which cross-reacted with human P-450. Three antigen-precipitating MAbs and four nonprecipitating MAbs were tested for their effects on the aniline p-hydroxylase activity of liver microsomes of untreated rats and from rats treated with acetone, pyrazole, methylpyrazole, or imidazole. One of the seven MAbs tested, 1-91-3, inhibited enzyme activity of acetone-, pyrazole-, or methylpyrazole-induced microsomes by 54, 47, and 48%, respectively. This indicates that at least 50% of microsomal cytochrome P-450 aniline p-hydroxylase activity in the latter is a function of a P-450 enzyme that contained the epitope to which the MAb 1-91-3 is directed. With untreated and imidazole-induced microsomes, 32 and 21% inhibition of the enzyme activity was observed. In reconstituted systems containing phospholipid and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, MAb 1-91-3 inhibited aniline p-hydroxylase activity of purified ethanol-induced P-450et and acetone-induced P-450 by more than 90%. Nitrosodimethylamine demethylase activity of acetone-induced rat microsomes was inhibited by the various MAbs up to 77% and the activity of the purified acetone-induced P-450 was inhibited up to 92%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Increase in a specific cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme in the liver of congenitally jaundiced Gunn rats

Congenitally jaundiced (jj) Gunn rats had a greater hepatic microsomal content of a cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme, P-450c, than did the non-jaundiced (Jj) rats. No differences in content of P-450b, P-450d and pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile-induced (PCN) P-450 were found between jj and Jj rats. This is the first demonstration of a constitutive increase in a specific cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme in association with a genetic defect.