The effects of propiconazole on hepatic xenobiotic biotransformation in the rat

Propiconazole, a foliar fungicide used for agricultural purposes was studied for its effects on the hepatic xenobiotic biotransformation in the rat. Rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of 0.1, 1, 10 or 100 mg/kg in corn oil for seven consecutive days. Induction was seen for cytochrome P-450, ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase, aldrin epoxidase, aminopyrine N-demethylase and microsomal expoxide hydrolase activities. Aniline p-hydroxylase and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase activities were unchanged. All responses occurred at only 100 mg/kg, except for that of aminopyrine N-demethylase which also occurred at the 10 mg/kg dose. SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed increased staining of a protein band of molecular weight 54,000 corresponding to cytochrome P-450b and/or P-450d. Collectively these results suggest that cytochromes P-450b and P-450d have been induced after exposure of rats to propiconazole.