Strain differences in adrenal xenobiotic metabolism in guinea pigs

Studies were carried out to compare adrenal and hepatic xenobiotic metabolism in various strains of guinea pigs. In all strains studied (Hartley, English Short Hair, NIH, Strain 2, Strain 13), microsomal protein and cytochrome P-450 levels and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activities were greater in adrenals than livers. Neither adrenal values nor hepatic values for these parameters differed across strains. Ethylmorphine (EM) demethylase and benzo[a]pyrene (BP) hydroxylase activities were also greater in adrenals than livers in all strains. However, the rates of adrenal xenobiotic metabolism were far greater in the highly inbred Strain 2 and Strain 13 guinea pigs than in other strains. In contrast, hepatic metabolism of EM and BP was not strain-dependent. Adrenal steroid 21-hydroxylase activity was also similar in all strains. The results indicate that strain is an important determinant of adrenal but not hepatic xenobiotic metabolism in the guinea pig. In addition, genetic control of adrenal microsomal drug and steroid metabolism appear to be independent of one another.