[The role of carcinogenic aminobiphenyls in hepatocyte differentiation]

Contribution of various hemoproteins to peroxidase oxidation of benzidine and its derivatives as well as effects of these substances on functional state of hepatocytes are discussed. Benzidine and its derivatives were shown to induce those forms of cytochrome P-450 which were involved in accelerated oxidation of the carcinogenic drugs studied as well as affected the glutathione transferase, NADPH-dependent glutathione reductase activities and the activity of antioxidant system enzymes. Increase in content of cytochrome P-450, glutathione-dependent enzymes and other effects specific for adult hepatocytes, which occurred in presence of aminobiphenyls, were accompanied by decrease in content of receptors to epidermal factor of growth regulating the hepatocytes proliferation.