Isolation and comparison of four cytochrome P-450 enzymes from phenobarbital-induced rat liver: three forms possessing identical NH2-terminal sequences

Isoflurane and cytochrome b5 stimulation of 2-chloro-1,1-difluoroethene metabolism by reconstituted rat CYP2B1 and CYP2C6

Isoflurane stimulates the metabolism of 2-chloro-1,1-difluoroethene (CDE) in liver microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats or rabbits. The P450 isozymes involved and the mechanism by which such stimulation occurs have not been clarified. The present study examined the effects of isoflurane and cytochrome b5 on CDE metabolism in reconstituted systems containing purified rat CYP2B1 or CYP2C6. Under similar incubation conditions, CYP2B1 defluorinated CDE at approximately five times the rate of CYP2C6. Isoflurane was a potent stimulator of CDE metabolism, increasing it nearly 5-fold when catalyzed by CYP2B1, but only 2-fold when catalyzed by CYP2C6. Isoflurane had no stimulatory effect on benzphetamine metabolism by CYP2B1 or CYP2C6. Cytochrome b5 was not required for isoflurane-facilitated CDE metabolism; however, the addition of cytochrome b5 to CYP2B1 increased CDE metabolism 71 and 44%, in the absence and presence of isoflurane, respectively. In reconstituted CYP2B1, isoflurane generated a type I difference spectrum of approximately twice the magnitude of CDE and stimulated NADPH consumption more so than CDE. The same quantity of NADPH was consumed when CDE was present with isoflurane as compared with isoflurane alone. These data support the hypothesis that isoflurane stimulates CDE metabolism by a mechanism involving increased P450 reduction via direct isoflurane interaction with P450.

The P450 superfamily: update on new sequences, gene mapping, accession numbers, early trivial names of enzymes, and nomenclature

We provide here a list of 221 P450 genes and 12 putative pseudogenes that have been characterized as of December 14, 1992. These genes have been described in 31 eukaryotes (including 11 mammalian and 3 plant species) and 11 prokaryotes. Of 36 gene families so far described, 12 families exist in all mammals examined to date. These 12 families comprise 22 mammalian subfamilies, of which 17 and 15 have been mapped in the human and mouse genome, respectively. To date, each subfamily appears to represent a cluster of tightly linked genes. This revision supersedes the previous updates [Nebert et al., DNA 6, 1-11, 1987; Nebert et al., DNA 8, 1-13, 1989; Nebert et al., DNA Cell Biol. 10, 1-14 (1991)] in which a nomenclature system, based on divergent evolution of the superfamily, has been described. For the gene and cDNA, we recommend that the italicized root symbol "CYP" for human ("Cyp" for mouse), representing "cytochrome P450," be followed by an Arabic number denoting the family, a letter designating the subfamily (when two or more exist), and an Arabic numeral representing the individual gene within the subfamily. A hyphen should precede the final number in mouse genes. "P" ("p" in mouse) after the gene number denotes a pseudogene. If a gene is the sole member of a family, the subfamily letter and gene number need not be included. We suggest that the human nomenclature system be used for all species other than mouse. The mRNA and enzyme in all species (including mouse) should include all capital letters, without italics or hyphens. This nomenclature system is identical to that proposed in our 1991 update. Also included in this update is a listing of available data base accession numbers for P450 DNA and protein sequences. We also discuss the likelihood that this ancient gene superfamily has existed for more than 3.5 billion years, and that the rate of P450 gene evolution appears to be quite nonlinear. Finally, we describe P450 genes that have been detected by expressed sequence tags (ESTs), as well as the relationship between the P450 and the nitric oxide synthase gene superfamilies, as a likely example of convergent evolution.

Relationship between the rate of reductase-cytochrome P450 complex formation and the rate of first electron transfer

Substrate has recently been shown to affect (a) the high spin content of cytochrome P450 (b) the rate of first electron transfer when LM2 (P450 2B4) and reductase were in a preformed complex, and (c) the rate of functional complex formation between NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P450 LM2. When comparing the effect of substrate on each of these parameters, the strongest correlation was demonstrated between the rate of first electron transfer through the preformed complex and the rate of functional complex formation (W.L. Backes and C.S. Eyer, 1989, J. Biol. Chem. 264, 6252-6259). The relationship among high spin content, reduction rate, and the rate of functional complex formation was examined using a number of different cytochrome P450 isozymes. The goal of this study was to determine if the previously established relationship between reduction rate and the rate of reductase-P450 complex formation was a feature only of LM2, or a general characteristic of the cytochrome P450 system. Substrate addition caused an increase in first electron transfer for each of the isozymes examined, with high spin content being increased with cytochromes P450 2B1 (PBRLM5) and P450 2B2 (PBRLM6). Substrate addition to cytochrome P450 2C6 (PBRLM4) resulted in a small decrease in high spin content. P450 2B1 and P450 2B2 showed a positive correlation between substrate-mediated stimulation of reduction and high spin content, whereas P450 2C6 showed a negative correlation between these variables. Substrate also increased the rate of reductase-P450 association for each of the isozymes examined. When compared to the degree of stimulation of reduction through a preformed complex, a strong positive correlation was obtained with each isozyme examined. These results demonstrate that the increase in both the rate of functional reductase-P450 complex formation and the rate of first electron transfer is not simply a property of LM2, but appears to be a general characteristic of many cytochrome P450 isozymes.

Isolation of cytochrome P-450 components from marmoset liver microsomes by high-performance liquid chromatography

A fast protein liquid chromatographic (FPLC) system with pre-packed and laboratory-packed columns was used for the analytical and preparative isolation of marmoset monkey cytochrome P-450 (P450) and NADPH-P450-reductase. Chromatographic separations also allowed the recovery of cytochrome b5, NADH-b5-reductase and epoxide hydratase. Cholate-solubilized liver microsomes from phenobarbital-induced marmosets were crudely purified on 8-aminooctyl-Sepharose or 6-aminohexyl-Sepharose and then fractionated into several isoenzyme groups using hydroxyapatite. Further purification on Mono S or CM-Sepharose and finally on phenyl-Superose, phenyl-Sepharose or octyl-Sepharose yielded a P450 fraction which was apparently homogeneous as judged by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the automated Phast system using silver staining. Removal of excess of non-ionic detergent was effected by hydroxyapatite columns, and this was compared with other methods. For the isolation of P450 isoenzymes from untreated marmosets, Mono Q columns were employed and yielded at least two highly purified forms. NADPH-P450-reductase was recovered from the 8-aminooctyl-Sepharose column or crudely fractionated on DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow. Subsequent purification via 2',5'-ADP-Sepharose and Superose 12 chromatography resulted in a homogeneous preparation.

Regulation of the expression of the sex-specific isoforms of cytochrome P-450 in rat liver

The hepatic metabolism of steroid hormones and of xenobiotics frequently depends on the expression of the sex-specific isoforms of cytochrome P-450 and on differences in sex hormones. Following biochemical, immunological and molecular biological investigations, it was shown that in adult rat liver there exist at least four male-specific and one female-specific isoforms of cytochrome P-450. The designation of these sex-specific genes is IIC11, IIIA2, IIC13 and IIA2 in males, and IIC12 in females. The irreversible programming of the expression of these isoforms of cytochrome P-450 in adulthood occurs during the perinatal period of life, and is named enzyme imprinting. One of the main factors that regulates the expression of the sex-specific isoforms of cytochrome P-450 is the level of androgens in the blood. Castration of adult rats decreased the level of the male isoforms of cytochrome P-450 and the activity of the monooxygenase enzyme system that remained higher than in intact females. The mechanism of enzyme imprinting can be explained as follows: neonatal androgens program the secretion of hypothalamic hormones, somatostatin and growth-hormone-releasing factor. These factors determine the type of growth hormone secretion in adult rats, and this controls the type of sex-specific isoforms of cytochrome P-450 expressed in adulthood. Metabolic regulation similar to that outlined above was shown to occur for several metabolism-dependent chemical carcinogens. Such a pathway may explain the different sensitivity displayed by male and female rats to treatment with these carcinogenic agents. One possible way of modulating the expression of some isoforms of cytochrome P-450 in adult rats is by treating neonates with specific xenobiotics that change the constitutive expression of neonatal androgens. It appears that this enzyme imprinting plays an important role in determining the individual sensitivity to the carcinogenic effects of chemicals.

Relationship between phosphorylation and cytochrome P450 destruction

In our previous report we showed cytochrome b5 to be a competitive inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) for interaction with cytochrome P450 (P450). While P450 was phosphorylated, cytochrome b5 was not. The phosphorylation of P450 resulted in an inhibition of its catalytic activity. In this report we attempt to determine the relationship between phosphorylation of P450 from phenobarbital-induced rat and its destruction. The results indicate there is a considerable alteration of P450 IIB1 when it is put into the phosphorylation medium. This includes destruction, i.e., loss of the hemoprotein nature (Soret peak), as well as denaturation, conversion of a proportion of the P450 to P420. The extent of phosphorylation correlated best with the amount of destroyed hemoprotein, and not with the formation of P420. There did not appear to be phosphorylation-dependent formation of apo-P450. Further, prior conversion of the P450 to P420 using sodium deoxycholate showed the same extent of phosphorylation as before the conversion. Thus, intact P450 is not required for phosphorylation nor is phosphorylation a prerequisite for hemoprotein destruction. P450 CAM (CIA1), which has the PKA substrate recognition sequence internalized, likewise undergoes conversion to P420 but this denaturation does not result in phosphorylation. Destruction of CIA1 with 6 M urea, however, did permit phosphorylation by PKA. P450 IIB1 destruction was greatly diminished by cytochrome b5. This stabilization resulted in a decreased degree of phosphorylation as well as an increase in negative ellipticity in circular dichroism, indicative of an increase in the proportion of alpha-helical content in the P450. Suggestions are made that this structural modification caused by cytochrome b5 stabilizes the P450 against denaturation as well as against destruction and phosphorylation. Further, when the P450 IIB1 was kept stable as P450 in the absence of cytochrome b5 and without loss of hemoprotein during the incubation period, using phosphate-glycerol buffer containing 0.4% Emulgen 911, the phosphorylation of the P450 was greatly diminished, with only minor effects on the protein kinase reaction itself. These results suggest that the protein kinase reaction itself. These results suggest that the protein kinase substrate recognition sequence is not readily accessible to PKA in mammalian P450 IIB1 but requires a destabilization of the protein for phosphorylation to take place.

Characterization of three cytochrome P450s purified from renal microsomes of untreated male rats and comparison with human renal cytochrome P450

Three renal cytochrome P450s (P450 K-2, K-4, and K-5) were purified from renal microsomes of untreated male rats. Also, the human renal cytochrome P450 (P450 HK) was partially purified from renal microsomes and its properties were compared with those of the rat renal cytochrome P450s. The molecular weight of P450 K-2, K-4, and K-5 was 52,000 on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The absolute spectrum of the oxidized forms indicated that they had the low-spin state of heme, and the CO-reduced spectral maxima of P450 K-2, K-4, and K-5 were at 449, 451, and 452 nm, respectively. NH2-terminal sequence analysis of P450 K-2, K-4, and K-5 showed that these forms were different from hepatic cytochrome P450s purified previously. P450 K-2, K-4, and K-5 catalyzed the O-dealkylation of 7-ethoxycoumarin but were not efficient in the hydroxylation of testosterone. Aminopyrine was metabolized by P450 K-2 and K-4 but not by P450 K-5. Lauric acid was metabolized efficiently by all of these forms in the presence of cytochrome b5. The regiospecificity of these forms toward lauric acid was different. P450 K-2 hydroxylated lauric acid only at the (omega-1)-position, not at the omega-position. P450 K-4 and K-5 hydroxylated lauric acid at both the omega- and (omega-1)-positions. The ratios of omega/(omega-1)-hydroxylation activity of P450 K-4 and K-5 were 2.5 and 7.8, respectively. Human P450 HK was purified 220-fold and its specific content was 2.0 nmol/mg of protein. The Soret maxima of P450 HK were at 418 nm for the oxidized form, 416 nm for the reduced form, and 450 nm for the CO-reduced form. P450 HK catalyzed the O-dealkylation of 7-ethoxycoumarin but was not efficient in aminopyrine N-demethylation or testosterone hydroxylation. P450 HK had high lauric acid omega- and (omega-1)-hydroxylation activities in the presence of cytochrome b5, especially omega-hydroxylation. These properties resembled those of P450 K-5 most closely. Anti-P450 K-5 antibody cross-reacted with P450 HK as well as P450 K-5 and only one band was stained on immunostained Western blotting for partially purified P450 HK. The molecular weight of P450 HK was 52,000 on Western blotting.

Phosphorylation of cytochrome P450: regulation by cytochrome b5

Rabbit liver cytochrome P450 LM2 and several forms of rat liver cytochrome P450 are phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and by protein kinase C. Under aqueous assay conditions at neutral pH LM2 is phosphorylated only to a maximum extent of about 20 mol% by PKA. We show that detergents or alkaline pH greatly enhance the extent of phosphorylation of the cytochrome P450 substrates of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. In the presence of 0.05% Emulgen, PBRLM5, which appears to be the best cytochrome P450 substrate for cAMP-dependent protein kinase, incorporates phosphate up to about 84 mol% of enzyme. We reported previously (I. Jansson et al. (1987) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 259, 441-448) that cytochrome b5 inhibits the phosphorylation of LM2 by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. In this paper, using PBRLM5, we demonstrate, by analysis of initial rates, that the inhibition of phosphorylation by cytochrome b5 is competitive, with a Ki = 0.48 microM. We also show that a number of forms of cytochrome P450 can be phosphorylated by protein kinase C, and that the phosphorylation of these forms by protein kinase C is also inhibited by cytochrome b5. These data suggest that the phosphorylation site(s) of cytochromes P450 may be located within or overlap the cytochrome b5 binding domain of the enzymes.

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.

Purification and properties of cytochrome P-450 from liver microsomes of phenobarbital-treated marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus)

One form of cytochrome P-450 from phenobarbital-induced marmoset liver was purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity and compared with the major inducible form isolated from rat liver. Whereas spectral properties and molecular weights, as well as catalytic activities towards aminopyrine and ethylmorphine N-demethylation are quite similar, rates of O-dealkylation with enzymes from the two species are considerably different. While ethoxycoumarin deethylation for the marmoset cytochrome is about one-fortieth of that for the rat, ethoxyresorufin and even pentoxyresorufin dealkylations for the marmoset form are not detectable. By contrast, aldrin epoxidation as catalyzed by this cytochrome is about three times as high as that obtained from the rat.

Purification and characterization of hepatic steroid hydroxylases from untreated rainbow trout

Purification of cytochrome P450 from liver microsomes of untreated juvenile male rainbow trout yielded five fractions designated LMC1 to LMC5. All fractions, except LMC4 and LMC5, appeared homogeneous on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and showed minimum molecular weights of 50,000 (LMC1), 54,000 (LMC2), 56,000 (LMC3), 58,000 (LMC4), and 59,000 (LMC5). Specific contents ranged from 2.8 (LMC3) to 14.9 (LMC5) nmol heme/mg protein. The catalytic activity of LMC1, LMC2, and LMC5 toward various substrates was examined. LMC2 exhibited the highest estradiol 2-hydroxylase activity and progesterone 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity. LMC2 also was most active in the metabolic activation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). In contrast, LMC5 was most active in catalyzing the 6 beta- and 16 beta-hydroxylation of testosterone and the 6 beta-hydroxylation of progesterone. LMC1 showed the highest lauric acid hydroxylase activity. The three isozymes tested had low activity (for LMC2 and LMC5) or no activity (for LMC1) toward benzphetamine or benzo[a]pyrene. Polyclonal antibodies to all five isozymes were raised in rabbits and the antibodies were used to examine the contribution of the P450s to microsomal enzyme activities. The results of microsomal enzyme inhibition studies with polyclonal antibodies showed that anti-LMC2 IgG significantly inhibited the oxidative metabolism of testosterone, lauric acid, AFB1, and benzphetamine. Anti-LMC5 IgG inhibited the oxidation of progesterone, estradiol, benzo[a]pyrene, and benzphetamine. Anti-LMC1 IgG slightly inhibited the microsomal hydroxylation of lauric acid. Anti-LMC3 and anti-LMC4 IgG did not inhibit any of the measured microsomal enzyme activities. These findings suggest that individual constitutive isozymes of trout cytochrome P450 have well-defined contributions to the microsomal metabolism of steroids, fatty acids, and xenobiotics.

Investigations on the spectral interactions of fusarin C with rat liver microsomal cytochrome P-450

1. The spectral interaction of a mutagenic fungal metabolite, fusarin C, with rat liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 was investigated using a method which determines competitive inhibition between substrates eliciting the same type of spectral change. The strong u.v. absorption of fusarin C in the region where the spectral changes of cytochrome P-450 are monitored prevented direct binding studies. 2. The conversion of fusarin C to fusarin PM1 by the microsomal carboxylesterase was effectively inhibited by either decreasing the temperature during the binding studies or by addition of NaF (20 mM) during the enzymic inhibition investigations. 3. Fusarin C competitively inhibited the binding of the type II substrate aniline, yet the enzymic hydroxylation reaction of aniline was inhibited in a non-competitive manner. 4. Although the C-13/C-14 epoxide group of fusarin C is necessary for mutagenicity, an additional metabolic step is required. The present data indicated that fusarin C may interact with cytochrome P-450 in a similar way to aniline.

Reductive metabolism of halothane by purified cytochrome P-450

The reductive metabolism of halothane was determined using purified RLM2, PBRLM4 and PBRLM5 forms of rat liver microsomal cytochrome P-450. The metabolites, 2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (CTE) and 2-chloro-1,1-difluoroethylene (CDE), were determined. All three forms of cytochrome P-450 produced CTE with relatively small differences in its production among the various forms. There were major differences, however, in the production of CDE, with PBRLM5 being the most active. PBRLM5 was also the only form to show the development of a complex between halothane and cytochrome P-450. This complex absorbed light maximally at 470 nm. The complex formation and the production of CDE by PBRLM5 were stimulated by the addition of cytochrome b5. Cytochrome b5 had no effect on CDE production by PBRLM4 and inhibited the production of both CTE and CDE by RLM2. These results show that the two-electron reduction of halothane by cytochrome P-450 was catalyzed by the PBRLM5 form and that cytochrome b5 stimulated the transfer of the second electron to halothane through PBRLM5, but not RLM2 or PBRLM4.

Activation of cyclophosphamide in mouse limb bud cultures using a reconstituted cytochrome P-450 system

Purified phenobarbital-induced rat liver cytochrome P-450 was incorporated in a reconstituted system containing NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, dilauroyl phosphatidyl choline and sodium cholate. This system was added to organ cultures of limb buds from mouse embryos on day 11 of gestation. Cyclophosphamide (100 micrograms per ml) was used as a "pre-teratogen" and activation was initiated by adding an NADPH-regenerating system. Due to extensive purification, toxicity of the enzyme preparations and residual solubilisation detergents could be greatly reduced. A reconstituted system containing 10-100 pmol cytochrome P-450 per ml without cyclophosphamide caused no noticeable interference with limb development. The same assay containing cyclophosphamide, however, resulted in a pronounced impairment of cartilage differentiation and in the formation of clearly abnormal structures, especially at the paw skeleton. The activity of the reconstituted system declined under the experimental conditions used, but some activating capacity towards cyclophosphamide was still demonstrable after about 2 h of incubation.

Inverse relationship between cytochrome P-450 phosphorylation and complexation with cytochrome b5

Cytochrome P-450 LM2 purified from rabbit liver microsomes has been shown to be a substrate for cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Cytochrome b5, in contrast, was a very poor substrate for cAMP-dependent protein kinase, although it stimulated the activity of the kinase toward histone. When purified rabbit cytochrome b5 was mixed with purified LM2, phosphorylation of LM2 by cAMP-dependent protein kinase was inhibited approximately 80-90%. Recently, a functional covalent complex of cytochrome b5 and LM2 was prepared and purified to homogeneity (P.P. Tamburini and J.B. Schenkman (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84, 11-15). When present as a covalent complex with cytochrome b5, the phosphorylation of LM2 in the complex by cAMP-dependent protein kinase was also inhibited about 80-90% relative to an equivalent amount of LM2 alone. On the other hand, when the LM2 was phosphorylated prior to interaction with cytochrome b5, the ability of the latter to perturb the spin equilibrium of LM2 and oxidation of p-nitroanisole by the LM2 was diminished to an extent comparable to the degree of phosphorylation. The results suggest either that the phosphorylation site on LM2 may be within the cytochrome b5 binding site or that phosphorylation and cytochrome b5 cause mutually exclusive conformational changes in LM2. In addition, eight different forms of cytochrome P-450 from the rat (RLM2, RLM3, fRLM4, RLM5, RLM5a, RLM5b, RLM6, and PBRLM5) were examined as potential substrates for cAMP-dependent protein kinase under the same conditions. Maximal phosphorylation of about 20 mol% was obtained with LM2, and about half as much with PBRLM5. The low extent of phosphorylation of LM2 was not due to the prior presence of phosphate on the enzyme since LM2, as isolated, contains less than 0.1 mol phosphate/mol of enzyme. The other forms of cytochrome P-450 tested showed little or no phosphorylation in vitro despite the presence of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation sequence on at least two of them.

Ion-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography; optimization of the purification of cytochrome P-450 from marmoset monkeys

Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) on Mono Q and Mono S ion-exchange columns was employed to purify marmoset monkey hepatic cytochrome P-450. Cholate-solubilized liver microsomes from untreated animals as well as from animals induced with phenobarbital, beta-naphthoflavone, 3-methylcholanthrene, and ethanol were used as starting materials. Since established purification schemes for extensively studied species, such as the rat, were found to be not directly applicable, a purification method was developed and optimized by studying the effects of varying detergent types, detergent concentrations, elution buffers, pH values, elution salts, and flow-rates on the resolution and recovery obtained in analytical chromatograms.

Fingerprinting rat liver microsomal cytochromes P-450 as a means of delineating sexually distinctive forms

The cytochrome P-450 fraction of microsomes separated on lauric acid AH-Sepharose 4B columns contains about 75% of the microsomal P-450. This was fingerprinted by means of two dimensional isoelectric focusing/SDS-PAGE. Separation of the fraction by highly reproducible, standard procedures on carboxymethyl Sepharose CL6B into four fractions allowed ready isolation and purification of seven forms of P-450, RLM2, 2b, 3, f4, 5, 5a and f5a. Comparison of the four fractions CMI, CMII, CMIII and CMIV revealed qualitative differences in the proteins contained in CMI and CMII of male and female rats. Identification of these proteins revealed RLM2, present in the CMI fraction of adult male rats, is not present in detectable levels in the comparable fraction from females. Similarly, RLM3 and 5 were present in the CMII fraction of male rats but could not be detected in the corresponding fraction of females. Instead, another protein, fRLM4, was found in the females. RLM5a, found in the CMII fraction of males, was also present in females. Examination of the physical properties of these P-450 proteins revealed those isolated in the CMI and CMII fractions to have fairly neutral isoelectric points (7.1-7.6). Based upon the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence, three classes of constitutive forms of P-450 can be recognized. All of the constitutive forms have methionine in position one and leucine in position seven. By comparing sequence homologies, RLM2 and 2b form one sub-class, RLM3, f4 and 5 form a second sub-class, and P-450f and RLM5a form a third sub-class.

Stabilization of the reduced halocarbon-cytochrome P-450 complex of halothane by N-alkanes

Under anaerobic conditions, various halogenated compounds, when metabolized by cytochrome P-450, form complexes which are spectrally detectable. Previous studies have shown that halothane forms such a complex with cytochrome P-450, and the result is a strong absorption at 470 nm. Stabilization of this proposed intermediate carbanion complex has never been demonstrated in a biological system. Data are presented which show that several organic solvents (C5-C7N-alkanes) will stabilize the complex formed between halothane and cytochrome P-450. Stabilization allowed the decay of the complex to be studied, and it is demonstrated that the product of decay was chlorodifluoroethylene, which substantiates the hypothesis that the complex is a two electron-reduced carbanion. Carbon tetrachloride and benzyl bromide, which also produce spectrally visible intermediate complexes, were not stabilized by this treatment. Stabilization of the halothane complex in a biological system may facilitate studies to identify precisely the halothane-cytochrome P-450 complex and to clarify the mechanisms of halothane reduction by cytochrome P-450.