Induction of hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes by coal fly ash in rats

The effect of intratracheal administration of fly ash, its benzene-extracted residue and the benzene extract has been studied on the activities of hepatic mixed-function oxidases in the rat. Fly ash and its fractions significantly increased the levels of cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5, cytochrome b5 reductase, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, aminopyrine N-demethylase, aniline hydroxylase, and glutathione S-transferase in a dose-dependent manner. Phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene treatment along with the administration of fly ash or its fractions showed an additive effect on the activities of the mixed-function oxidases. The observed effects were due to chemical component, i.e., organic and inorganic fractions of fly ash, and not due to its particulate nature. This was shown by the administration of glass beads which did not cause any alteration in the activities of hepatic mixed-function oxidases.