Role of ketone bodies in the diabetes-induced changes in hepatic mixed-function oxidase activities

In order to assess the role of ketone bodies in the diabetes-induced changes in hepatic mixed-function oxidase activity, rats rendered hyperketonaemic by dietary administration of medium chain triacylglycerols were compared with streptozotocin treated rats. Both groups of animals became hyperketonaemic but only the latter were hyperglycaemic. Treatment with streptozotocin or medium chain triacylglycerols gave rise to marked increases in the O-dealkylations of ethoxyresorufin, ethoxycoumarin and pentoxyresorufin, the p-hydroxylation of aniline and the N-demethylation of dimethylnitrosamine. It is concluded that the streptozotocin-induced changes in hepatic mixed-function oxidases are mediated, at least partly, by the high levels of ketone bodies.