Release of latent glucuronosyltransferase activity contributes to the sparing of glucuronidation in experimental liver injuries.

Abstract

In patients with parenchymal liver disease, glucuronidation of drugs is generally preserved but oxidation is impaired. This study explores the effects of liver injuries induced in rats by the administration of acute carbon tetrachloride, chronic bile duct ligation and chronic choline deficiency for 30 weeks on the glucuronidation of p-nitrophenol and 1-naphthol, both before and after solubilization of the microsomes and compares this to three measures of oxidation. Cytochrome P450 content was reduced to 17% of control values after acute carbon tetrachloride and to 35% of control values after bile duct ligation. Cytochrome C reductase fell to 58 and 32% of control and aniline hydroxylase to 4..