Effect of metronidazole on the hepatic mixed function oxygenases (cytochromes b5 and P-450) in Swiss mice

Effect of metronidazole (MNZ) treatment (oral and ip) on activities of cytochrome b5 and P-450 was studied in male, virgin and pregnant female mice. Activities of both the cytochromes increased in virgin mice treated with 2 mg (ip or PO, per mouse) but not in male and pregnant females. 30 mg dose (per mouse) was toxic in pregnant mice but increased the cytochromes activities in males and virgin females. HPLC analysis of liver MNZ levels showed that virgin females had higher MNZ content than male and pregnant females when treated with ip injection of MNZ (250 mg/kg).