[Cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase activity and the functions of immunologically competent cells]

The authors summarize the data on the interrelationship between cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase system activity in immunocompetent cells and their functional properties, provide the results of experimental research showing an important role this enzyme system plays in macrophages and lymphocytes and the influence of immunoactive substances on their activity. The data amassed support the immunomodulating effects of cytochrome P450 inducing substances. In a majority of cases their action manifests itself in the suppression of different functions of immunocompetent cells. The role of Ah-receptor and other biochemical mechanisms in the development of those effects is discussed. Emphasis is laid on the fact that the high sensitivity of the immune system to the action of xenobiotics and the diversity of their influences on immune responses depend to a large measure on the activity of the enzyme systems metabolizing antibiotics.