Microsomal N-hydroxylation of dibenzylamine

1. The properties of the rabbit liver microsomal enzyme system(s) catalysing the formation of N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine as the major metabolite of dibenzylamine have been investigated. 2. The system consists of NADPH- and NADH-dependent components which are differentiated by their different pH optima and sensitivity towards cyanide. 3. The effect of various metabolic inhibitors on the N-oxidation process in vitro are investigated. 4. The N-oxidation of the parent amine was inhibited by CO, SKF 525-A, and inhibitors known to interact with microsomal cytochrome P-450. Phenobarbitone pre-treatment stimulates further metabolism of the hydroxylamine.