[Structure and effects of benzodiazepines on hepatic microsomal monooxygenases in rats exposed to environmental...

Five benzodiazepines (diazepam, oxazepam, clonazepam, nitrazepam and chlordiazepoxide) were compared with respect to their capacity to affect microsomal aniline hydroxylase, aminopyrine N-demethylase and 4-nitroanisole O-demethylase of rats exposed to the high ambient temperature of 28 degrees C or 35 degrees C. We have stated that the highest effect on the microsomal enzyme activities was observed after chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam or nitrazepam treatments. These results indicate that the presence of nitro group at position 7 or N-oxide at position 4 of benzodiazepine is important for the ability of benzodiazepines to affect the hepatic microsomal enzymes. High environmental temperature modifies the effect of benzodiazepines on tested microsomal enzymes.