[Catalytic properties of the monooxygenases that oxidize 14C-phenazepam]

Aromatic hydroxylation and oxidation of heterocyclic molecule of phenazepame were studied. The reaction of aromatic hydroxylation prevailed in microsomes of intact animals, whereas preinduction of rats using phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene altered the phenazepame metabolism increasing the rate of oxidation in the heterocyclic ring. Kinetic parameters are described for oxidation of phenazepame molecule by both intact and induced rat microsomes.