Hepatic oxidative drug metabolism in rats with experimental renal failure

The activity of the drug-oxidizing system was investigated in liver homogenates of control and uraemic rats. Acute renal failure was achieved by ligation of the ureters or by intravenous injection of uranyl nitrate. In the uraemic state the concentration of cytochrome P450 and the activity of aniline hydroxylase were not significantly changed, but the activity of aminopyrine N-demethylase was significantly decreased. In rats the hepatic oxidizing enzymes are not induced by the uraemic state, in contrast to what has been suggested in man.