Localization of cytochromes P450 in human tissues: implications for chemical toxicity

Cytochromes P450 comprise a remarkably diverse superfamily of heme-thiolate proteins critical in the metabolism of numerous endogenous ligands and xenobiotics. Among the myriad of P450 substrates are many compounds of toxicological and pharmacological significance. The precise complement of cytochrome P450 isoforms in any given tissue may therefore be an important determinant of susceptibility to chemical-mediated toxicity. We have used a histological approach to study the distribution of individual P450s in human and rabbit gastro-intestinal tissues. We have focused primarily on P450 enzymes of importance in the metabolism of carcinogens, namely CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP3A4/3A5 and CYP4B1. Here we give an overview of the distribution of these enzymes in human and rabbit tissues and discuss the possible toxicological implications of the results. In addition we will discuss the value of archival human tissue specimens for histological analysis of P450 distribution.