Cyclic AMP mediated activity stimulation by metronidazole in rat liver

In the homogenate of the liver biochemically examined 45 hrs after a single 250 mg dose of metronidazole administration, a 45% increase of c-AMP level was found as compared with controls. A marked proliferation of hepatic smooth endoplasmic reticulum was observed. In the light microscope numerous mitotic figures could be seen. No mitotic figures were present in the liver tissue of either treated or untreated animals examined 24, 72 and 120 hrs post administration of metronidazole. Two points seem of interest in the biologic properties of metronidazole: one is the participation of hepatic smooth endoplasmic reticulum in its metabolism, the other--the formation of active metabolites which may posses carcinogenous properties.