Related Experiment Videos
Effect of 6-MFA, an interferon inducer obtained from fungus Aspergillus ochraceus on hepatic mixed function oxidase
1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd, Pimpri, Pune, India.
Abstract:
Effect of 6-MFA (sixth mycelial fraction of acetone), an interferon inducer obtained from fungus A. ochraceus on hepatic mixed function oxidase system (MFO) of rat has been investigated. Treatment with 6-MFA, 100 mg/kg/day, ip for 1-5 days to adult rats inhibited significantly the different indices of MFO system, viz. hepatic cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5 content, cytochrome c reductase, aminopyrine-N-demethylase and acetanilide hydroxylase activities. Similar treatment for 3 days in young growing rats significantly inhibited MFO system's components except acetanilide hydroxylase activity which showed marked elevation. These effects seem to be specific as in vitro experiments suggested that 6-MFA does not compete with subsdtrates nor it acts as a sponge reacting with the end product to give false inhibitory effect. It is concluded from the present study that 6-MFA like other interferon inducers depresses MFO system in rats. Its possible clinical implications are discussed.
Insights
The fungal extract 6-MFA (sixth mycelial fraction of acetone), an interferon inducer, significantly inhibits the hepatic mixed function oxidase (MFO) system in adult rats. Young rats showed mixed effects, with some MFO components elevated.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
- Mycology
Background:
- The hepatic mixed function oxidase (MFO) system is crucial for metabolizing xenobiotics.
- Interferon inducers can modulate various physiological processes.
- Fungal extracts are a source of bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of 6-MFA, a fungal-derived interferon inducer, on the rat hepatic MFO system.
- To determine if 6-MFA exhibits specific inhibitory or modulatory actions on MFO components.
Main Methods:
- Adult and young growing rats were treated with 6-MFA (100 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) for 1-5 days.
- Hepatic cytochrome P-450 content, cytochrome b5 content, and activities of cytochrome c reductase, aminopyrine-N-demethylase, and acetanilide hydroxylase were measured.
- In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the specificity of 6-MFA's effects.
Main Results:
- 6-MFA significantly inhibited key MFO system indices (cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5, reductase, aminopyrine-N-demethylase) in adult rats.
- In young rats, 6-MFA inhibited most MFO components but significantly elevated acetanilide hydroxylase activity.
- In vitro studies indicated that 6-MFA's effects were specific and not due to substrate competition or non-specific binding.
Conclusions:
- 6-MFA, similar to other interferon inducers, depresses the hepatic MFO system in rats.
- The differential effects observed in young rats suggest age-dependent modulation of the MFO system by 6-MFA.
- The findings warrant further investigation into the clinical implications of 6-MFA's interaction with the MFO system.