Modification of P450 activity and its effect on 1,2-dichlorobenzene toxicity in Fischer 344 rats

This study examined the contribution of biotransformation by the mixed function oxidase system on hepatic and renal toxicity of 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCB). Male Fischer 344 (F344) rats (190-250 g) were pretreated with phenobarbital (PB), beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), pyridine (PYR), piperonyl butoxide (PiBx) or vehicle prior to the administration of 2 or 3 mmol/kg of 1,2-DCB. Pair-fed control animals were treated with corn oil, (1 ml/kg). Plasma alanine amino-transaminase (ALT/GPT) was increased in a dose-dependent manner by 1,2-DCB. Pretreatment with PB, BNF or PB pretreatment prior to 1,2-DCB administration increased hepatic toxicity within 24 h. Toxicity was characterized by increased ALT/GPT activity and increased liver weight. Acute administration of 1,2-DCB produced renal alterations within 24 h. Renal toxicity was characterized by altered blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and decreased renal cortical slice accumulation of p-aminohippurate (PAH) 24 h after injection of 3 mmol/kg 1,2-DCB. Pretreatment with PB, BNF or PYR increased the renal toxicity of 2 and 3 mmol/kg 1,2-DCB. Conversely, pretreatment with PiBx to inhibit P450 activity slightly decreased the hepatic and renal toxicity of 1,2-DCB. These results establish that the kidney was a target organ for 1,2-DCB toxicity and that the proximal tubule was a site of damage. Additionally, these studies indicate induction of P450 isozymes increased the hepatic and renal toxicity of 1,2-DCB. Further studies are needed to examine the specific role of P450 in generation of toxicity.