DDT-INDUCED METABOLIC CHANGES IN RAT LIVER

Abstract

Administration of DDT to rats resulted in an increase in the rate of incorporation of DL-leucine-1-14C into proteins by a liver cell-free system. This effect was paralleled by an increase in the activity of microsomal DDT-metabolizing enzymes and in total liver protein, as well as by increased synthesis of RNA. The level of total glutathione in liver and blood was not modified, but the amount of the oxidized form was increased at the expense of the reduced form. Phenobarbital or hydrocortisone also increased the levels of microsomal DDT-metabolizing enzymes but their combination with DDT produced a relative inhibition. The role of DDT as an enzyme inducer and the possibility that changes in RNA correspond to increased synthesis of messenger RNA are discussed. These results confirm and extend previous ones obtained in this laboratory.