Effect of 1,4-dibromobenzene and 1,2,4-tribromobenzene on xenobiotic metabolism
Abstract
1,4-Dibromobenzene and 1,2,4-tribromobenzene were administered po to male rats for 45 and 90 days, with or without a 30-day recovery period. After 45 or 90 days of administration, both 1,4-dibromobenzene (10 and 20 mg/kg) and 1,2,4-tribromobenzene (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) increased liver to body weight ratios, cytochrome P-450 content, EPN detoxification, and azoreductase activity. In addition, 1,2,4-tribromobenzene, which was the more potent inducer, increased NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity and benzpyrene hydroxylase activity. Glucuronyltransferase activity was not increased by either compound. These effects were not found following the 30-day recovery period. It is concluded that both of these simple brominated benzenes can induce the metabolism of xenobiotics but that the effects are not prolonged following the cessation of administration of the compounds.