[Time course of thioacetamide-induced changes in estrogen metabolism in the rat liver]

Rats have been treated for 6 weeks with thioacetamide (0.1% in drinking water). The biochemical changes in liver microsomal metabolism of estradiol which are similar to those observed in human liver cirrhosis become already apparent after one week of treatment. These are diminishment of hepatic microsomal cytochromes P-450 and b5, comparable decrease of 2-hydroxylation and increase of formation of estrone from estradiol. The alterations of estrogen metabolism are reversible within two weeks after ending thioacetamide treatment. These data correspond to the already well established histological response of rat liver to thioacetamide, and its reversibility.