Rat spleen cytoplasmic nucleotidase: characterization and its physiological significance

1. A cytoplasmic nucleotidase, which preferably hydrolyzed 5'-dUMP, was investigated in rat spleen. 2. Total activity of the nucleotidase increased about 3-fold in the spleen of anemic rat was caused by phenylhydrazine administration. This increase was repressed by the injection of methotrexate, an inhibitor of DNA synthesis. 3. Activities of heme oxygenase or acid phosphatase did not correlate to the change of the nucleotidase activity. 4. The nucleotidase catalyzed dephosphorylation of 3'(5')-dUMP, 3'(5')-dTMP and 3'-UMP more readily, in the presence of Mg2+. Its optimum pH was around 6.0-6.5. It was stimulated by the addition of deoxyinosine. 5. These catalytic properties and tissue distribution of the enzyme, abundant in the thymus, spleen and intestine, were similar to that of 5'(3')-nucleotidase in rat liver [Fritzson P. (1978) Adv. Enzym. Regul. 16, 43-61]. 6. A possible physiological significance of the nucleotidase is in reutilization of preformed pyrimidine nucleotides.

Expression of heme oxygenase in hemopoiesis

Heme oxygenase has been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from detergent solubilized adult human liver microsomes. Treatment of microsomes with Triton X-100, sodium cholate and subsequent batchwise DEAE-cellulose, 2', 5' ADP-sepharose 4B, Sepharose CLB and hydroxylapatite column resulted in 17% yield of the purified heme oxygenase. The reconsituted system of heme oxygenase, composed of heme oxygenase, NADPH cytochrome c (P450) reductase and biliverdin reductase was equiactive with 1 mM NADPH and 4 nM NADH and showed complete dependence on added heme for catalytic activity. The Km values for NADPH and NADH were .046 and .526 mM, respectively. While NADPH concentration was held constant, the Km value for heme was 1.01 microM with a specific activity of 583 unit/mg protein. The activity of the reconstituted heme oxygenase system was not affected by preincubation with heavy metals despite their inhibitory effect of NADPH cytochrome c (P450) reductase and biliverdin reductase. However, the metalloporphyrins of these heavy metals were found to be strong inhibitors of the reconsituted system with Ki values of 0.015, 0.6, 2.3 and 5 microM for Sn-, Co-, Zn- and Mg- protoporphyrins, respectively. Similarly, the sulfhydryl inactivating reagents, HgCl2, iodoacetamide and p-chloromercurylbenzoate, inhibited the reconstituted heme oxygenase activity. Rabbits were immunized with purified human liver heme oxygenase and the resulting antibody preparation was used to examine the species specificity of the enzyme. Microsomal protein with a molecular weight of 32,000 from rat and human liver as well as HepG2 cells were identified on dot and Western blots by their reaction with the anti-heme oxygenase similar to the purified enzyme protein. Anti-heme oxygenase precipitated quantitatively, the entire heme oxygenase of rat liver microsomes obtained from animals maintained on standard diet. The human bone marrow microsomal heme oxygenase activity was also quantitatively precipitated by this antibody. Antibody inhibition of rat and human heme xoygenase demonstrated a degree of conservation of both enzyme proteins between the species. As judged by Western blotting, the anti-heme oxygenase recognized only a single protein in spleen, liver, kidney, brain, heart, bone marrow, integtine and corneal epithelium. The human heme oxygenase cDNA was isolated by screening a cDNA library in the Okayama-Berg vector with a rat liver cDNA and was subjected to nucleotide sequence analysis. The deducted human heme oxygenase is also composed of 288 amino acids with a molecular mass of 32,800 Da.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Heme oxygenase activity as measured by carbon monoxide production

A method is described for the in vitro determination of heme oxygenase (HO) activity in animal tissue preparations through determination of carbon monoxide production. Tissue homogenates were centrifuged and the 13,000g supernatants were incubated in septum-sealed vials with methemalbumin in the presence and absence of NADPH at 37 degrees C for 15 min. The reaction was terminated by quick-freezing to -78 degrees C and the amount of carbon monoxide released into the headspace was determined by gas chromatography with a reduction gas detector. The CO produced through mediation of NADPH is used as a measure of HO activity and is expressed as nanomoles of CO produced per hour per milligram protein. The method permits analysis of as little as 2 microliter normal rat tissue homogenate representing 0.4 mg liver tissue (approx 40 micrograms total protein). The assay rate is 10-15 duplicate samples per hour with a precision of 3% for sample (4.47 +/- 0.13 SD nmol CO/h/mg protein) and 6% for blank reactions (0.59 +/- 0.10 nmol CO/h/mg protein) for 10 microliter liver supernatant. Various reaction parameters were studied. The method was used to compare HO activity in several tissue homogenates from normal rats and rats treated with COCl2.

Dose dependent suppression of hepatic cytochrome P-450 content by doxorubicin and Mitomycin-C: correlation with antipyrine biotransformation

Doxorubicin (DOX) and Mitomycin-C (MMC) are two anthraquinones which, when administered to rats, result in a decrease in the content of hepatic cytochrome P-450 and mixed function oxidase activities. DOX administration produced a dose-dependent immediate decrease in cytochrome P-450 content at all doses but a parallel dose-dependent decrease in the rate of antipyrine metabolite formation of the two higher doses. The lower dose of DOX produced an increase in metabolite formation and produced a less than 20% reduction in cytochrome P-450 content. MMC administration produced an immediate, modest (less than 10% of control levels) suppression of hepatic cytochrome P-450 content, and had no effect on antipyrine metabolite formation. These findings demonstrates that two drugs of the same class can produce similar suppressions of cytochrome P-450 content and that a threshold suppression of cytochrome P-450 content is needed to produce alterations in in vivo drug biotransformations.

Drug-metabolizing enzymes in rat, mouse, pig and human macrophages and the effect of phagocytic activation

Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity mediated by cytochrome P-450 is present in pig hepatic microsomes [10 nmol.3 mg protein-1.hr-1]. AHH activity was detectable in both hepatocytes and Kupffer cells isolated from pig liver biopsy material. These cells were isolated from needle or wedge biopsy material by collagenase perfusion and incubation with collagenase at 37 degrees. The two cell types were separated from the resulting cell suspension as previously described for whole liver. Kupffer cells were enriched by adherence and were cultured for 24 hr prior to harvesting. Cells were harvested, and cell viability was determined. AHH activity was assayed in Kupffer cell and hepatocyte homogenates. Kupffer cell AHH activity was approximately one-eighth the level detected in hepatocytes. To determine whether this enzyme was present in other macrophages, monocytes were isolated from 10 ml of heparinized peripheral blood using Ficoll-Hypaque and were enriched by adherence. After 24 hr in culture, cell viability was assessed and monocytes were identified by by cytochemical staining. AHH activity was detectable in pig monocyte homogenates, and the AHH level was similar to that in pig Kupffer cells. AHH was also easily detectable in human monocytes. This macrophage AHH activity was compared with AHH activity in rat monocytes, mouse Kupffer cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages. Monocyte AHH was relatively stable in cell culture but decreased rapidly upon storage at -70 degrees. Macrophage AHH activity was depressed following phagocytic activation in vitro by latex beads with a concomitant increase in heme oxygenase activity.

Acute nephropathy induced by gold sodium thiomalate: alterations in renal heme metabolism and morphology

Gold compounds are used clinically in rheumatoid arthritis therapy. Acute renal toxicity is observed in some patients receiving chrysotherapy. The present study addresses morphofunctional and biochemical changes in rat kidneys during the first 8 days following a single ip injection of gold sodium thiomalate (AuTM), one of the gold compounds presently in clinical use. Compared to controls, AuTM pretreatment resulted in increased urine output and elevated serum creatinine and urea nitrogen concentrations. Also, by Day 8, treated rats had decreased body weights and increased kidney weights. Postmortem examination on Day 1 showed pale and mottled kidneys and diffusely pale inner cortex. Microscopically, there was severe coagulative necrosis of the proximal tubular epithelium. Epithelial regeneration was prominent by Day 4 and was nearly complete by Day 8. The regenerating epithelium was hyperplastic with basophilic cytoplasm and pleomorphic nuclei. Alterations in renal heme biosynthesis and drug metabolism paralleled the morphologic changes. The activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase were inhibited on Days 1, 2, and 4 following AuTM administration. Decreases in monooxygenase activity were accompanied by decreases in renal cytochrome P-450 levels. In contrast, renal microsomal heme oxygenase activity was elevated 9.5-fold on Day 1 and 2.5-fold on Day 2. By Day 8, all renal enzymatic activities assayed for were similar to those obtained with untreated rats.

Haem arginate: a new stable haem compound

Intravenous administration of haem in acute hepatic porphyrias inhibits the induction of delta-aminolaevulinic acid synthase, reduces the formation of potentially harmful metabolites of porphyrin synthesis and corrects the haem deficiency. Typically, haem therapy has been given in the form of haematin--haem dissolved in alkali. Such haematin solutions are, however, extremely unstable. Thus, the rapid decomposition of this therapeutic agent may have been responsible for the ineffectiveness of treatment in some clinical states and adverse reactions may have been caused by haematin degradation products. There is, therefore, a need for a stable, effective and well-tolerated haem preparation. We have prepared certain highly soluble haem compounds of which haem arginate has proved to be the most promising. Pure haemin was isolated from HIV and hepatitis B negative human blood. The haem derivatives prepared were screened as substrates for haem oxygenase. Haem arginate and haem lysinate were found to be as good substrates as methaemalbumin. Stock solutions of haem arginate were stable for 2 years at +6 degrees C. After dilution with sterile isotonic saline the haem arginate infusion was clearly more stable than haematin solutions made in the laboratory or prepared by dissolving commercial lyophilized haematin. The antiporphyrogenic effect of haem arginate (even after storage for two years) in 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide-induced experimental porphyria of rats was equal to that of freshly prepared haematin. The acute oral toxicity of haem arginate was low compared with the parenterally administered drug, indicating poor oral bioavailability. The acute toxic effects after high intravenous or intraperitoneal doses were directed to the liver.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Presence of heme oxygenase and NADPH cytochrome P-450 (c) reductase in human corneal epithelium

The presence of heme oxygenase and NADPH cytochrome P-450 (c) reductase, the latter an integral component of heme oxygenase and cytochrome P-450-dependent drug metabolizing enzymes, was demonstrated in human corneal epithelium. We reported for the first time that human corneal epithelium contains heme oxygenase activity as high as 20% of that reported for the human liver. Using immunological techniques, we demonstrated that heme oxygenase proteins from human cornea and liver are very similar; both have a molecular weight of 32,000 as demonstrated by Western blot analysis. We also studied the presence of NADPH cytochrome P-450 (c) reductase. The human corneal epithelium contains significant amount of NADPH cytochrome P-450 (c) reductase activity, and this corneal protein is similar to the known liver protein; both have a molecular weight of 71,000 and react with antibodies prepared against purified liver NADPH cytochrome P-450 (c) reductase. As the heme oxygenase system is the rate limiting step in heme degradation, this system plays a pivotal role in regulation of cellular heme in corneal epithelium, thus modulating the activity of hemoproteins such as catalase, tryptophan pyrrolase and thromboxane synthetase.

Regulation of the activity of heme degradative enzymes in K562 erythroleukemic cells: induction by thymidine

Heme oxygenase is rate-limiting in the heme degradative pathway, and its activity is induced by a host of chemicals. In K562 human erythroleukemic cells, heme oxygenase activity was not increased by exposure to potent inducers, such as cobalt chloride, bromobenzene, and heme. Indeed heme treatment severely suppressed the enzyme activity, and at 18 h the activity measured less than 5% of the control. Heme and cobalt chloride did not inhibit activities of NADPH-cytochrome c (P-450) reductase and biliverdin reductase to a marked degree. In contrast, treatment of cells with thymidine/hypoxanthine alone, or in combination with cobalt chloride, caused an increase in the activity of three enzymes of heme degradation. It is suggested that with thymidine, which is a committing inducer of hemoglobin synthesis, the induction of activity of the three enzymes of the heme degradation pathway is coupled with cell differentiation. On the other hand, in the case of heme, a noncommitting inducer of hemoglobin synthesis, induction of hemoglobin synthesis and increase in heme degradation activity may be independent.

Effects of phorone (diisopropylidene acetone), a glutathione (GSH) depletor, on hepatic enzymes involved in drug and heme metabolism in rats: evidence that phorone is a potent inducer of heme oxygenase

Concomitant with the depletion of glutathione content, phorone (250 mg/kg, ip.) produced a marked increase in heme oxygenase activity, biphasic effect on delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity, and slight decreases in cytochrome P-450 content and aminopyrine demethylase activity in the liver of rats. The increase in heme oxygenase activity evoked by phorone was almost completely blocked by pretreatment of rats with actinomycin D and cycloheximide. Phorone was able to produce the changes in these parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Buthionine sulfoximine, a GSH depletor by inhibition of biosynthesis, failed to affect these hepatic parameters.

Regulation of heme metabolism and monooxygeneses in liver and kidney: influence of therapeutically used gold compounds

Two gold compounds, gold sodium thiomalate (AuTM) and auranofin (AF) are presently in clinical use in therapy of rheumatoid arthritis. The effects of varying doses of AF administered to rats by either the p.o. or the i.p. route on heme metabolism were determined. Twenty four hours after a single dose of AF, decreases in the sulfhydryl-containing enzymes, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and ferrochelatase activities were observed in the liver and kidneys. These decreases in heme biosynthetic enzymes were accompanied by decreases in cytochrome P-450-dependent enzymic activities and increases in microsomal heme oxygenase activity. These changes were observed with AF dosages as low as 5 mg/kg, with maximal changes occurring at a p.o. dose of about 15 mg of AF per kg and an i.p. dose of 5 to 10 mg of AF per kg. Dose-response studies with AuTM showed that maximal changes in heme metabolism occur at a lower dose of AF than of AuTM, even though AF was administered p.o. and AuTM was administered parenterally. In addition, the kidneys appeared to be more susceptible to the inhibitory effects of the two chrysotherapeutic agents than did the liver. The present studies demonstrate the p.o. drug AF affects heme metabolism in a manner similar to that reported previously with the parenterally administered AuTM.

Dual control mechanism for heme oxygenase: tin(IV)-protoporphyrin potently inhibits enzyme activity while markedly increasing content of enzyme protein in liver

Tin(IV)-protoporphyrin (Sn-protoporphyrin) potently inhibits heme degradation to bile pigments in vitro and in vivo, a property that confers upon this synthetic compound the ability to suppress a variety of experimentally induced and naturally occurring forms of jaundice in animals and humans. Utilizing rat liver heme oxygenase purified to homogeneity together with appropriate immunoquantitation techniques, we have demonstrated that Sn-protoporphyrin possesses the additional property of potently inducing the synthesis of heme oxygenase protein in liver cells while, concurrently, completely inhibiting the activity of the newly formed enzyme. Substitution of tin for the central iron atom of heme thus leads to the formation of a synthetic heme analogue that regulates heme oxygenase by a dual mechanism, which involves competitive inhibition of the enzyme for the natural substrate heme and simultaneous enhancement of new enzyme synthesis. Cobaltic(III)-protoporphyrin (Co-protoporphyrin) also inhibits heme oxygenase activity in vitro, but unlike Sn-protoporphyrin it greatly enhances the activity of the enzyme in the whole animal. Co-protoporphyrin also acts as an in vivo inhibitor of heme oxygenase; however, its inducing effect on heme oxygenase synthesis is so pronounced as to prevail in vivo over its inhibitory effect on the enzyme. These studies show that certain synthetic heme analogues possess the ability to simultaneously inhibit as well as induce the enzyme heme oxygenase in liver. The net balance between these two actions, as reflected in the rate of heme oxidation activity in the whole animal, appears to be influenced by the nature of the central metal atom of the synthetic metalloporphyrin.

Aberration of heme and hemoprotein in aged female rats

The magnitude and duration of drug action is determined partially by the activity of the drug metabolizing enzyme systems in the liver. The pharmacological effectiveness of many drugs is altered during the aging process. In this study, the regulation of heme metabolism and hemoprotein content was examined in livers of aged female rats. The activities of hexobarbital hydroxylase and aniline hydroxylase, indicators of mono-oxygenase function, were decreased in aged rats by 31% and 24%, respectively, as compared to values in young rats. This was accompanied by a proportional decrease in the level of cytochrome P-450 (26%). Additionally, the activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase (ALA-S), the rate-limiting enzyme in heme synthesis, and the microsomal concentration of heme were also decreased by 33% and 26%, respectively, in these animals. In contrast, the basal activity of microsomal heme oxygenase (MHO), the rate-limiting enzyme in heme degradation, and the percent heme saturation of tryptophan pyrrolase (TPO), a sensitive indicator of changes in the availability of heme in the "regulatory" heme pool, were increased by (87%) and (31%), respectively, in the aged rats. The serum concentration of bilirubin, an indicator of erythrocyte breakdown and/or liver function was likewise increased in these animals. In view of these findings, we suggest that the high activity of MHO and the low level of ALA-S may be a significant causative factor for the decreased microsomal concentration of heme, cytochrome-P-450 and its dependent monooxygenase activities in senescent female rats.

Immunochemical studies on the contribution of NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase to the cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid

We have studied the role of NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase in the metabolism of arachidonic acid and in two other monooxygenase systems: aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and 7-ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase. Human liver NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase was purified to homogeneity as evidenced by its migration as a single band on SDS gel electrophoresis, having a molecular weight of 71,000 Da. Rabbits were immunized with the purified enzyme and the resulting antibodies were used to evaluate the involvement of the reductase in cytochrome P-450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism by bovine corneal epithelial and rabbit renal cortical microsomes. A highly sensitive immunoblotting method was used to identify the presence of NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase in both tissues. We used these antibodies to demonstrate for the first time the presence of cytochrome c reductase in the cornea. Anti-NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase IgG, but not anti-heme oxygenase IgG, inhibited the NADPH-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism in both renal and corneal microsomes. The inhibition was dependent on the ratio of IgG to microsomal protein where 50% inhibition of arachidonic acid conversion by cortical microsomes was achieved with a ratio of 1:1. A higher concentration of IgG was needed to achieve the same degree of inhibition in the corneal microsomes. The antibody also inhibited rabbit renal cortical 7-ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase activity, a cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme. However, the anti-NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase IgG was much less effective in inhibiting rabbit cortical aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase. Thus, the degree of inhibition of monooxygenases by anti-NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase IgG is variable. However, with respect to arachidonic acid, NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase appears to be an integral component for the electron transfer to cytochrome P-450 in the oxidation of arachidonic acid.

Long-term changes in mitochondrial outer membrane enzymes and microsomal enzymes involved in drug and heme metabolism during 2-acetylaminofluorene feeding

The changes in mitochondrial and microsomal enzyme activities were examined during the course of 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) hepatocarcinogenesis. 2-AAF produced the phasic changes, such as the early reduction, back to the control and the re-reduction, in mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) B and kynurenine 3-hydroxylase activities during the course of its hepatocarcinogenic activity in male Wistar rats. 2-AAF also produced decreases in microsomal cytochrome P-450 content and aminopyrine demethylase activity, while it caused an early significant increase and subsequent decrease in cytochrome b5 content in the liver. The change in microsomal protoheme content totally paralleled that of the hemeproteins. Microsomal heme oxygenase activity was significantly increased during 2-AAF feeding, while mitochondrial delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity tended to decrease under the experimental conditions. These changes in mitochondrial and microsomal enzyme activities were more pronounced in the nodules and hepatomas as compared to those of the surrounding tissues.

The role of heme metabolism during the induction of hepatic and renal cytochrome P-450 levels and drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats by a Prudhoe Bay crude oil

Administration of Prudhoe Bay crude oil (PBCO) to rats resulted in a dose-related increase in liver weight; rapid and marked increase in the activity of hepatic delta-aminolevulinate synthetase, the initial and rate-limiting enzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway; rapid decline in the activity of hepatic heme oxygenase, the rate-limiting enzyme of heme catabolism; and more gradual increase in the levels of hepatic cytochrome P-450 and some mixed-function oxidase activities such as benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase and 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase. PBCO treatment also increased renal cytochrome P-450 levels and mixed-function oxidase activities; however, delta-aminolevulinate synthetase and heme oxygenase activities were unchanged. This suggests that different regulatory mechanism(s) may be involved in renal heme metabolism and induction of monoxygenase system.

Elevation of bilirubin production in neonatal rats treated with nicardipine hydrochloride

Administration of nicardipine hydrochloride, a dihydropyridine calcium entry blocker, caused a 30% rise in the rate of bilirubin formation in neonatal rats. Plasma bilirubin concentrations also increased from 0.83 +/- 0.05 to 1.06 +/- 0.10 mg/100 ml (p less than 0.05). We conclude that maternal administration of nicardipine hydrochloride for tocolysis could affect bilirubin production in the neonate.

Identification of heme oxygenase and cytochrome P-450 in the rabbit heart

The regulation of cardiac heme oxygenase and cytochrome P-450 mixed function oxidase was studied in the rabbit heart. Heme oxygenase activity is found in ventricular and atrial microsomal fractions. This activity is NADPH dependent, and is inhibited by tin and zinc protoporphyrin, but not by either SKF 525A or 7,8-benzoflavone. Immunologic studies of cardiac heme oxygenase demonstrate that antibodies prepared against human purified hepatic heme oxygenase recognize rabbit atrial heme oxygenase and inhibit the enzyme activity by 92%. In contrast, control immunoglobulin does not inhibit heme oxygenase activity. Further, the western blotting technique demonstrates that a similar band of protein with a molecular weight of 32,000 exists in cardiac microsomes and that no protein cross-reacts with purified hepatocyte heme oxygenase. Marked induction of atrial heme oxygenase is observed in microsomal fractions prepared from rabbits treated with cobalt chloride. Atrial microsomes possess 0.24 nmol of cytochrome P-450 as compared to 0.68 nmol/mg protein in microsomes from the liver. The levels of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity, a cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme, in ventricle and atrium are stimulated by a NADPH-generating system and are sensitive to 7,8-benzoflavone, and SKF 525A, known inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 mixed function oxidase. AHH activity in ventricular and atrial microsomes is 2-3% of that seen in liver microsomes whereas the P-450 content/mg protein is about 20% of that observed in the liver. AHH activity is mediated by a form of cytochrome P-450 that is inducible by 3-methylcholanthrene/beta-naphthoflavone. A possible new role of the heart cytochrome P-450 system in cardiac function is proposed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of two heme oxygenase isoforms in rat spleen: comparison with the hematin-induced and constitutive isoforms of the liver

Two isoforms of heme oxygenase, designated as HO-1 and HO-2, were identified in rat spleen. The most abundant form was HO-1, wherein a relative ratio of about 5:1 of HO-1 to HO-2 was detected. The splenic HO-1 and HO-2 were immunochemically similar to the purified isoforms obtained from the liver and the testis. Moreover, the elution properties of splenic HO-1 as well as those of the constitutive liver HO-1 and the hematin-induced liver HO-1 on a DEAE-sephacel column were similar. However, the splenic HO-1 activity could not be induced by hematin. It is suggested that in the spleen heme oxygenase activity is maintained in the induced state as the result of constant exposure to hemoglobin released in the course of disruption of senescent erythrocytes.

Hepatic heme and drug metabolism in rats with chronic mountain sickness

Rats chronically exposed to hypobaric conditions develop pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, hemoglobinemia, and in preliminary studies were recently found to have increased hepatic cytochrome P-450 content and activity of heme oxygenase, the rate-limiting enzyme for heme breakdown. To further delineate effects of chronic hypoxic, hypobaric exposure, on hepatic physiology and biochemistry, we have studied heme and drug metabolism in male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to hypoxic conditions for 4-5 wk. Hypoxia, produced by exposure of rats to room air under hypobaric conditions (approximately 380 Torr), caused marked polycythemia [hematocrit (Hct) 70% vs. control Hct 43%], plasma hemoglobinemia, depletion of plasma haptoglobin, and decreased hemopexin concentrations. It also led to significant (20-30%) increases in concentrations of total hepatic heme and microsomal cytochrome P-450 and increased activities of heme oxygenase. In contrast, activity of 5-aminolevulinate synthase, the rate-limiting enzyme of hepatic heme synthesis, was significantly decreased in hypoxic rats and was not as inducible as in control normoxic rats. Hypoxia did not alter the rest of the heme synthetic pathway, as shown by a normal rate of conversion of 5-aminolevulinate to heme. Hypoxic exposure had no effect on the concentration of hepatic cytochrome-b5 but decreased activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. Rates of metabolism of aminopyrine, benzphetamine, ethoxyresorufin, and warfarin were similar in hepatic microsomes obtained from hypoxic and normoxic rats. Thus the oxygen-requiring processes of hepatic heme and drug metabolism were well maintained despite chronic profound hypoxia sufficient to cause cardiopulmonary complications.

Effects of the chrysotherapeutic agents auranofin and gold sodium thiomalate on hepatic and renal drug metabolism and heme metabolism

These studies were designed to investigate the effects of the chrysotherapeutic agents auranofin and myochrysine (GST) on hepatic and renal drug-metabolizing enzymes and heme metabolism. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were either administered a single dose of auranofin (17, 34, or 68 mg/kg, p.o.) or administered daily doses of auranofin (0.2, 0.6, 2, 9, or 40 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or GST (1.2 or 5.8 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 3 or 14 days. Rats were killed 24 h after the final treatment, and subcellular fractions of liver and kidney were prepared. Cytochrome P-450 (P-450) content and ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD), benzphetamine-N-demethylase (BPND), delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthetase, and heme oxygenase activities were determined. Twenty-four hours following single doses of auranofin, no effects on hepatic P-450, ECOD, or BPND were observed. Treatment with the positive control compounds, CoCl2 (60 mg/kg) and Co-protophorphyrin IX (33 mg/kg), produced decreases in all three variables at 24 hr. Auranofin, at 2 mg/kg, and GST treatment, at both doses, reduced hepatic P-450 and ECOD activity at 3 days. This effect was reversed with continued treatment for 14 days. BPND activity was unaffected at 3 days but was decreased at 14 days. Heme oxygenase activity was enhanced at 3 days and had returned to control activity at 14 days, while ALA synthetase was unaffected. With the exception of heme oxygenase, which was increased, renal variables were unaltered at 3 days. At 14 days, renal P-450 content was decreased in the high-dose auranofin group, heme oxygenase activity was increased in all groups, and ALA synthetase activity was elevated in high-dose auranofin animals. These data indicate that, at doses twenty times the human dose, auranofin and GST administration produced reversible decreases in hepatic and renal P-450 which may be the result of altered heme metabolism.

Increased rat testicular heme oxygenase activity associated with depressed microsomal heme and cytochrome P-450 levels after repeated administration of human chorionic gonadotropin

Repeated administration of human chorionic gonadotropin to rats results in a maximal depression of testicular microsomal heme and cytochrome P-450 levels at 24 h, followed by increases that plateau at pretreatment levels by day six. Associated with the depressed levels of microsomal heme and cytochrome P-450 is an increase of testicular microsomal heme oxygenase activity at 12-24 h. Testicular mitochondrial delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase activity was increased at 24 h, and remained elevated throughout the 9-day treatment period. Pretreatment with 1,4,6-androstatrien-3,17-dione, an aromatase inhibitor, failed to prevent the depression of testicular microsomal heme or cytochrome P-450 or increased heme oxygenase activity caused by repeated administration of human chorionic gonadotropin, and administration of estradiol benzoate failed to alter testicular microsomal heme oxygenase activity suggesting that these parameters were not related to altered testicular estrogen content caused by increased aromatase activity. These results suggest that increased testicular heme oxygenase activity is associated with decreased microsomal heme and cytochrome P-450 content during human chorionic gonadotropin-induced desensitization.

Cimetidine induces hepatic heme oxygenase activity without altering hepatic heme catabolism

Cimetidine inhibits oxidative drug metabolism; it is not known whether this drug alters the catabolic fate of hepatic heme. We therefore investigated hepatic heme turnover both by a 14CO breath test and directly by labeling the heme pool. Neither acute (150 mg/kg i.p.) nor chronic (150 mg/kg i.p. bid for 3 days) cimetidine administration significantly affected hepatic heme turnover. Chronic, but not acute, cimetidine significantly (p less than 0.025) increased heme oxygenase activity. Cimetidine inhibited heme oxygenase activity in vitro at concentrations achieved in vivo.

Regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism by cytochrome P-450 in rabbit kidney

Renal microsomal cytochrome P-450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism was correlated with the level of cytochrome P-450 in the rabbit kidney. Cobalt, an inducer of haem oxygenase, reduced cytochrome P-450 in both the cortex and medulla in association with a 2-fold decrease in aryl-hydrocarbon hydroxylase, an index of cytochrome P-450 activity, and a similar decrease in the formation of cytochrome P-450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolites by renal microsomes (microsomal fractions). Formation of the latter was absolutely dependent on NADPH addition and was prevented by SKF-525A, an inhibitor of cytochrome P-450-dependent enzymes. Arachidonate metabolites of cortical microsomes were identified by g.c.-m.s. as 20- and 19-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid and 11,12-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid. The profile of arachidonic acid metabolites was the same for the medullary microsomes. Induction of cytochrome P-450 by 3-methylcholanthrene and beta-naphthoflavone increased cytochrome P-450 content and aryl-hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity by 2-fold in the cortex and medulla, and this correlated with a 2-fold increase in arachidonic acid metabolites via the cytochrome P-450 pathway. These changes can also be demonstrated in cells isolated from the medullary segment of the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, which previously have been shown to metabolize arachidonic acid specifically via the cytochrome P-450-dependent pathway. The specific activity for the formation of arachidonic acid metabolites by this pathway is higher in the kidney than in the liver, the highest activity being in the outer medulla, namely 7.9 microgram as against 2.5 micrograms of arachidonic acid transformed/30 min per nmol of cytochrome P-450 for microsomes obtained from outer medulla and liver respectively. These findings are consistent with high levels of cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme(s), specific for arachidonic acid metabolism, primarily localized in the outer medulla.

Alterations of heme, cytochrome P-450, and steroid metabolism by mercury in rat adrenal

The treatment of male rats with Hg2+ resulted in significant alterations in heme and hemoprotein metabolism in the adrenal gland which, in turn, were reflected in abnormal steroidogenic activities and steroid output. Twenty-four hours after the administration of 30 mumol of HgCl2/kg (sc) the mitochondrial heme and cytochrome P-450 concentrations increased by approximately 50%. Also, Hg2+ treatment stimulated a porphyrinogenic response which included an 11-fold increase in the activity of delta-aminolevulinate synthetase. The increase in mitochondrial cytochrome P-450 content was reflected in elevated steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase and cholesterol side-chain cleavage activities. In contrast, Hg2+ treatment resulted in decreased concentrations of microsomal cytochrome P-450 (-75%) and heme (-45%). Similarly, the reduction in the microsomal cytochrome P-450 content was accompanied by reduced steroid 21 alpha-hydroxylase and benzo[alpha]pyrene hydroxylase activities. The mechanisms responsible for the loss of the microsomal cytochrome P-450 content appeared to involve a selective impairment of formation of the holocytochrome as well as an enhanced rate of heme degradation. This suggestion is made on the basis of findings that (a) the decrease in the microsomal cytochrome P-450 content was accompanied by a sevenfold increase in the activity of adrenal heme oxygenase, (b) no decrease in apocytochrome P-450 could be detected in sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis of the solubilized microsomal fractions stained for heme, and (c) the concentration of adrenal microsomal cytochrome b5 was significantly increased in the Hg2+-treated animals. It is suggested that Hg2+ directly caused a defect in adrenal steroid biosynthesis by inhibiting the activity of 21 alpha-hydroxylase. The apparent physiological consequences of this effect included lowered plasma levels of corticosterone and elevated concentrations of progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. This abnormal plasma steroid profile is indicative of a 21 alpha-hydroxylase impairment.

Benzene modulation of liver cell structure and heme-cytochrome P-450 metabolism

Rats were treated with subcutaneous benzene, 440 mg/kg, for 3 and 14 days (acute and chronic exposure). Their hepatic cell heme and drug metabolizing enzymes as well as cell morphology by electron microscopy were examined. Electron micrographs of hepatocytes from the benzene-treated rats showed disruption of the mitochondrial membranes and mitochondrial structure. The activity of the rate-limiting enzyme of heme synthesis, delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase was increased 1.5-2-fold in both acutely and chronically exposed animals. In the acutely exposed animals, there was a 50% inhibition of the second enzyme of heme synthesis, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, while in the chronically exposed there was 70% inhibition. The rate-limiting enzyme of heme degradation, heme oxygenase, was increased more than twofold in both sets of animals. Cytochrome P-450 content was increased 77% in the acutely treated and 35% in the chronic. Associated with this increase in cytochrome P-450 content, there was a twofold increase in both arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase and aminopyrine-N-demethylase activities after acute exposure. During chronic exposure, however, there was a return to normal of the aminopyrine-N-demethylase activity and a decline in arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase induction to 1.25 times control. Results from this study indicate that benzene exposure produces adverse effects on mitochondria and heme metabolism. The precise relationships of these disturbances to benzene toxicity are not clear; however the possible role of heme oxygenase and degree of cytochrome P-450 induction are considered. Finally, the alterations of arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase and aminopyrine-N-demethylase activities point to a potential mechanism of differential toxicity from metabolites of benzene.

[Effect of cobalt chloride on the activity of key enzymes of heme metabolism in the rat liver]

The effects of actinomycin D and cycloheximide on the original and CoCl2-induced delta-aminolevulinate-synthase and heme-oxygenase activities in rat liver were investigated. It was shown that 1.5 hours after CoCl2 administration the delta-aminolevulinate-synthase activity diminishes, then increases up to the original level within the subsequent 4.5 hours, showing a further increase thereafter. The heme-oxygenase activity does not change within 1,5 hours and is then increased. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide suppress the increase in the CoCl2-induced heme-oxygenase activity, whereas that of the delta-aminolevulinate-synthase activity is blocked only by cycloheximide. Hence, the increase in the CoCl2-induced delta-aminolevulinate-synthase activity in the liver is a result of activation of translation. The degree of tryptophan pyrrolase saturation with heme decreases already by the 6th hour, whereas the level of heme in liver mitochondria and microsomes decreases only by the 15th hour following CoCl2 injection. The heme content in the liver shows a further decrease irrespective of the increase in the delta-aminolevulinate synthase activity induced by CoCl2. It may be concluded that under the given experimental conditions this enzyme is not a rate-limiting step in the terminal reaction of heme biosynthesis.

Hepatic microsomal function in rats with chronic dietary iron overload

We determined whether alterations in hepatic microsomal function occur in association with iron-induced lipid peroxidation in vivo in rats with chronic dietary iron overload. In rats fed a 2.0% carbonyl iron diet for a period of 20 wk, there was no significant microsomal conjugated diene formation (evidence of microsomal lipid peroxidation) or difference in cytochrome P450 concentration found at mean (+/- SEM) hepatic iron concentrations of 1210 +/- 92 micrograms/g liver (wet wt) or 2730 +/- 100 micrograms/g. At a hepatic iron concentration of 4090 +/- 245 micrograms/g, however, there was significant conjugated diene formation (p less than 0.001) and a 56% decrease in the cytochrome P450 concentration (p less than 0.001). In rats fed a 2.5% carbonyl iron diet for 10 wk, achieving a liver iron concentration of 4820 +/- 420 micrograms/g, there was significant microsomal conjugated diene formation (p less than 0.001), a 35% reduction in cytochrome P450 (p less than 0.005), and a 16% reduction in aminopyrine demethylase activity (p less than 0.025), but only an 8% reduction in glucose-6-phosphatase activity (p = not significant). Finally, in rats fed a 3.0% iron-supplemented diet for 7 wk, achieving a liver iron concentration of 2730 +/- 205 micrograms/g, there was a 23% reduction in cytochrome P450 (p less than 0.025), a 28% reduction in cytochrome b5 (p less than 0.001), and a 47% increase in heme oxygenase activity (p less than 0.025) (heme oxygenase activity measured in this group only). We conclude that oral iron loading can produce microsomal lipid peroxidation in vivo that is associated with selective decreases in microsomal hemoprotein concentrations and cytochrome P450-dependent enzymes.

The chemical and enzymatic oxidation of hematohemin IX. Identification of hematobiliverdin IX alpha as the sole product of the enzymatic oxidation

Oxidative cleavage of hematohemin IX in pyridine solution in the presence of ascorbic acid (coupled oxidation), followed by esterification of the products with boron trifluoride/methanol produced the four possible hematobiliverdin dimethyl esters in 11.1% overall yield. Transetherifications took place simultaneously with the esterification reaction and resulted in the formation of the dimethyl ester of hematobiliverdin IX gamma 8a,13a-dimethyl ether (1.8%), the dimethyl ester of hematobiliverdin IX beta 13a,18a-dimethyl ether (1.9%), the dimethyl ester of hematobiliverdin IX delta 8a-monomethyl ether (1.4%), and the dimethyl ester of hematobiliverdin IX alpha 18a-monomethyl ether (0.4%). The latter was the sole product obtained after the enzymatic oxidation of hematohemin with heme oxygenase, after esterification of the reaction product with boron trifluoride/methanol. When the esterification step was omitted hematobiliverdin IX alpha was obtained from the enzymatic oxidation. The structures of the hematobiliverdin derivatives were secured by their NMR and mass spectra data. Saponification of the dimethyl esters afforded the hematobiliverdin methyl ethers, which were excellent substrates of biliverdin reductase and were readily reduced to the corresponding bilirubins. Hematobiliverdin IX alpha was also a good substrate of biliverdin reductase. It is concluded that the enzymatic oxidation of hematohemin IX by heme oxygenase is alpha-selective, while biliverdin reductase shows no selectivity in the reduction of the four hematobiliverdin isomers.

Suppressive effect of interferon inducer, polyriboinosinic acid-polyribocytidylic acid on induction of uridine diphosphate-glucuronyltransferases and monooxygenases in liver microsomes of rats

The effect of polyriboinosinic acid-polyribocytidylic acid [poly(I).poly(C)] on glucuronyltransferase activities toward 4-nitrophenol and 4-hydroxybiphenyl in liver microsomes of Wistar rats was examined by its single or co-administration with 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital. The increased 4-nitrophenol glucuronyltransferase activity by treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene was significantly suppressed following the co-administration with poly(I).poly(C), although the activity was not affected by the treatment with poly(I).poly(C) alone. In addition, 4-hydroxybiphenyl glucuronyltransferase activity decreased or tended to decrease by the treatment with poly(I).poly(C) alone, and the activity induced by phenobarbital was strikingly decreased following the co-administration with poly(I).poly(C). This result suggested that poly(I).poly(C) comprehensively decrease the induction of glucuronyltransferases regardless of their multiple forms. Furthermore, contents of cytochromes P-450 and b5 were also decreased by the treatment with poly(I).poly(C) alone or the co-administration with the inducers. Concomitantly, arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase and benzphetamine N-demethylase activities were significantly decreased by the treatment alone or the co-administration with the inducers. These findings supported a view that the suppressive effect of poly(I).poly(C) may be derived from the prevention of de novo synthesis of the apoprotein of the enzymes and/or the increased degradation.

Tryptophan pyrrolase in heme metabolism. Comparative actions of inorganic tin and cobalt and their protoporphyrin chelates on tryptophan pyrrolase in liver

The effects of various metals and metalloporphyrins, which are known to alter markedly heme metabolism in vivo, on the heme saturation of tryptophan pyrrolase in liver were examined. At early time points, up to 120 min, administration of CoCl2 to rats caused a rapid and marked decrease in the degree of heme saturation of tryptophan pyrrolase; in contrast, Co-protoporphyrin produced a slight increase in heme saturation of the enzyme. SnCl2 did not alter the heme saturation of tryptophan pyrrolase; however, treatment of rats with Sn-protoporphyrin, a potent competitive inhibitor of heme oxygenase activity both in vivo and in vitro, produced a rapid and complete heme saturation of tryptophan pyrrolase. In addition, upon simultaneous administration of Sn-protoporphyrin and CoCl2, Sn-protoporphyrin prevented the CoCl2-mediated decrease in heme saturation of tryptophan pyrrolase. These findings provide further evidence that the measurement of the heme saturation of tryptophan pyrrolase is a sensitive indicator of changes in the availability of heme in the "regulatory" heme pool, particularly in the immediate period after administration of compounds which are known to perturb heme metabolism in vivo.

Suppression of carbon monoxide excretion rate by tin protoporphyrin

The effect of a single prophylactic dose of tin protoporphyrin on the carbon monoxide (CO) excretion rate of antibiotic-treated neonatal rats before and after hematoma formation was evaluated. The CO excretion rate, reflecting the rate of bilirubin production, of tin protoporphyrin-treated (TP-H) rats 24 hours after injection of 65 mole of tin protoporphyrin per kilogram (time [t] = 0 hours) was approximately 18% lower than those of the saline-control (S-C) and saline-hematoma (S-H) rats, but this difference was no longer evident at t = 43 hours. After hematoma formation at t = 44 hours, the CO excretion rate of the S-H rats increased rapidly; this increase was delayed and lessened in the TP-H rats. At eight hours posthematoma (t = 52 hours), the CO excretion rate of the TP-H rats was significantly lower than that of the S-H rats, 53 +/- 2 vs 73 +/- 3 microL/kg/hr, respectively. A maximal rate of 89 +/- 5 microL/kg/hr was reached 25 hours posthematoma in the S-H rats (t = 69 hours), as compared with 80 +/- 3 microL/kg/hr at 44 hours posthematoma in the TP-H rats (t = 88 hours). The recovery of injected blood as CO over a 68-hour study period was approximately 90% for the S-H rats and approximately 65% for the TP-H rats. At t = 112 hours, hepatic heme oxygenase activity of the TP-H rats was still significantly lower than that of the S-H and S-C rats; however, plasma bilirubin concentrations of all three groups were similar. These studies demonstrate that tin protoporphyrin is an effective in vivo inhibitor of endogenous heme catabolism as measured by the CO excretion rate in antibiotic-treated neonatal rats with and without artificially created hematomas.

Induction of hepatic and renal ornithine decarboxylase by cobalt and other metal ions in rats

We previously showed that Cd2+ is able to induce hepatic and renal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). In addition to Cd2+, the administration of Co2+ and other metal ions such as Se2+, Zn2+ and Cr2+ produced a significant increase of hepatic and/or renal ODC activity. Of the metal ions used in this study, Co2+ produced the greatest increase of ODC activity. The maximum increases in hepatic and renal ODC activity, to respectively 70 and 14 times the control values in male rats, were observed 6 h after the administration of Co2+. A similar response was seen in the liver, but not in the kidney, of female rats. Thereafter, ODC activity gradually returned to control values in the liver, but it was profoundly decreased to 7% of the control value at 24 h in the kidney. The pretreatment of animals with either actinomycin D or cycloheximide almost completely blocked the Co2+-mediated increase of ODC activity. Co2+ complexed with either cysteine or glutathione (GSH) failed to induce ODC. Depletion of hepatic GSH content by treatment of rats with diethyl maleate greatly enhanced the inducing effect of Co2+ on ODC. The inhibitors of ODC, 1,3-diaminopropane and alpha-difluoromethylornithine, were able to inhibit the induction of the enzyme, without affecting the induction of haem oxygenase by Co2+. Methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone), an inhibitor of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, significantly inhibited the Co2+-mediated induction of both ODC and haem oxygenase. It is suggested that the inducing effects of Co2+ on ODC and haem oxygenase are brought about in a similar manner.

Characterization of two constitutive forms of rat liver microsomal heme oxygenase. Only one molecular species of the enzyme is inducible

The present report describes, for the first time, the identification of two constitutive forms of heme oxygenase, designated as HO-1 and HO-2, in rat liver microsomal fractions. HO-1 was purified to homogeneity and exhibited a specific activity of up to 4000 nmol of bilirubin/mg of protein/h. HO-2 was partially purified to a specific activity of 250 nmol of bilirubin/mg of protein/h. In the native state, the relative activity of HO-2 surpassed that of HO-1 by 2-3-fold. However, a remarkable difference existed in the regulatory mechanism(s) for the production of the two enzyme forms. Whereas the activity of HO-1 was increased up to 100-fold in response to cobalt, cadmium, hematin, phenylhydrazine, and bromobenzene, that of HO-2 was fully refractory to these agents. The two forms differed in their apparent Km, thermolability, ammonium sulfate precipitation, antigenicity, electrophoretic mobility under nondenaturing conditions, and chromatographic behavior. Specifically, for HO-1 the apparent Km value was 0.24 microM, whereas that for HO-2 was 0.67 microM. HO-2 preparation was more susceptible to heat inactivation; nearly 65% activity was retained by HO-1 preparation after exposure to 60 degrees C for 10 min, whereas under the same conditions only about 25% of HO-2 activity was retained. When subjected to ammonium sulfate precipitation the bulk of HO-1 activity precipitated between 0 and 35% saturation, whereas that of HO-2 was precipitated between 35 and 65% saturation. The two forms appeared as immunologically different entities, in so far as a crossreactivity between antibody raised against HO-1 in rabbit and HO-2 could not be detected. Similarities were observed in respect to cofactor requirements for activity, sensitivity to inhibitors, as well as their reactivity towards the substrates used in this study, i.e. hematin, hematoheme, and cytochrome c. Specifically both forms of the enzyme required NADPH-cytochrome c (P-450) reductase, NADPH or NADH, and O2 for activity, and reactions were inhibited by KCN, NaN3, and CO. Both forms cleaved the tetrapyrrole molecule exclusively at the alpha-meso bridge to form biliverdin IX alpha isomer. HO-1 and HO-2 utilized hematin and hematoheme as substrates but not intact cytochrome c.

Effects of two cannabinoids on hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450

The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) and delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) on the synthesis and degradation of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 were studied in mice. Cannabinoids used (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity in the liver. delta 9-THC-treatment (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) markedly stimulated heme oxygenase activity in hepatic 18000 X g supernatant fractions in a dose-dependent manner, whereas CBD-treatment was without effect. In vitro experiments, CBD and delta 9-THC (40 to 160 microM) markedly inhibited nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-induced lipid peroxidation in hepatic microsomes. When CBD was incubated with the hepatic microsomes in the presence of an NADPH-generating system, cytochrome P-450 content decreased significantly. However, delta 9-THC showed no effects in similar experiments. The rate of decrease in the cytochrome P-450 content using CBD (160 microM) was 0.212 nmol/mg protein/20 min in microsomes from control mice. This value increased significantly in microsomes from phenobarbital-treated mice (0.792 nmol/mg protein/20 min) but not in those from 3-methylcholanthrene-treated mice (0.190 nmol/mg protein/20 min). The metabolic rate (per nmol cytochrome P-450) of CBD was also increased significantly by phenobarbital-treatment but not by 3-methylcholanthrene-treatment. These results suggest that CBD metabolites rather than CBD itself, play some role in the decreasing effect on cytochrome P-450 content in the hepatic microsomes in vitro, and that the microsomal formation of reactive metabolite of CBD is increased by phenobarbital-treatment.

Sex difference in adrenal heme and cytochrome P-450 metabolism: evidence for the repressive regulatory role of testosterone

A novel aspect of the regulation of heme biosynthesis and cytochrome P-450 concentration in rat adrenals, as pertains to the repressive role of testosterone, is described. Also, the presence of a sex difference in the activities of delta-aminolevulinate (ALA) synthetase and heme oxygenase, as well as the concentrations of heme and cytochrome P-450 in the adrenal mitochondrial and the microsomal fractions, are defined. The female rats displayed a nearly 2-fold higher value for the listed parameters. Castration of rats caused an elevation of ALA synthetase activity to approximate that of the female rats, whereas testosterone replacement depressed the enzyme activity to the level of the sham-operated animals. Moreover, female rats treated with testosterone showed a marked depression in adrenal ALA synthetase activity. This was accompanied by significant reductions in the mitochondrial and microsomal contents of cytochrome P-450 and heme. Heme oxygenase activity was neither altered by castration nor by the testosterone treatment of castrated and female rats. It is suggested that the adrenal ALA synthetase activity is regulated by plasma testosterone levels which, in turn, regulates the production of heme and the cellular levels of heme and cytochrome P-450. The mode of action of testosterone appears to be repressive in nature.

Heme metabolism and erythropoiesis in abnormal iron states: role of delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase and heme oxygenase

Heme metabolism was examined in bone marrow and hepatic cells from iron-deficient and chronically iron-overloaded rats. Results indicate that the rate limiting enzymes delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) and heme oxygenase were significantly elevated in the iron-overloaded hepatic and bone marrow cells and near normal levels in cells from iron-deficient rats. Conversely, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase (ALAD) was depressed in iron-overloaded cells and elevated in iron-deficient cells. Erythroid colony (CFU-E) cultures demonstrated that iron-overloaded bone marrow cells were poor hemin and CFU-E responders in vitro, whereas iron-deficient marrows grew exuberant numbers of CFU-E and responded to hemin. Succinylacetone (1 mM) inhibited ALAD activity and normal CFU-E growth, and CFU-E inhibition by succinylacetone was completely overcome by the addition of hemin. Results are discussed with respect to the regulation of hepatic and bone marrow heme metabolism in abnormal iron states and the possible role of iron in the induction of heme oxygenase in chronic iron overload.

A sustained increase of microsomal heme oxygenase activity following treatment of rats with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin and Corynebacterium parvum: its possible relation to the decrease of cytochrome P-450 content

The alterations of various enzymes responsible for drug metabolism and heme metabolism were examined in the liver of female rats treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and Corynebacterium parvum (CP). Hepatic drug metabolizing enzyme activities and microsomal cytochrome P-450 and b5 content were significantly decreased for up to 15 and 10 d by a single i.v. administration of BCG and CP, respectively. In contrast, microsomal heme oxygenase activity was markedly increased after BCG and CP treatment and the increased enzyme activity was sustained in parallel with the decrease of drug metabolizing enzymes. Both BCG and CP also caused a significant decrease of delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity shortly after their administrations. The decreased enzyme activity returned to normal levels by 12 h after the treatment of rats with BCG and CP. In addition, hepatosplenomegaly was observed in BCG and CP treated rats. Dose related changes of these microsomal enzymes were seen following the administration of BCG and CP. Additionally, there were sex differences in the effects of BCG and CP on the alteration of microsomal enzymes, female rats being more sensitive than male rats. These results suggest that the decrease of cytochrome P-450 and b5 content and drug metabolizing enzyme activities by BCG and CP could be related, at least in part, to the prolonged increase of heme oxygenase activity, that may lead to the increased breakdown of heme available for the synthesis of these hemoproteins.

Hemopexin-mediated heme transport to the liver. Evidence for a heme-binding protein in liver plasma membranes

Isolated liver plasma membranes interact with heme-hemopexin and effect the removal of heme from the complex. This heme is rapidly accumulated by a previously undescribed heme-binding membrane component (HBC). This intrinsic membrane component can be solubilized from the membrane with Triton X-100 in a form that retains the ability to bind heme. Solubilized HBC was shown to be distinct from hemopexin itself, free heme, ligandin, globin, heme oxygenase, cytochrome P-450, and albumin. Since formation of the heme-HBC complex is effected by the interaction of heme-hemopexin with its receptor, HBC may either be a subunit of the heme-hemopexin receptor or a separate protein that interacts with the receptor. HBC can also bind heme (Kd apparent 200 nM) that is presented to it in a nonprotein bound form, showing true heme-binding activity. HBC is proteinaceous since treatment with proteases, heat, and disulfide bond reducing agents diminishes its ability to bind heme. HBC and any associated detergent elutes from Sephacryl S-200 with an apparent molecular weight of 115,000 and Stokes radius of 7.5 nm. This component, which may comprise 0.5% of liver plasma membrane protein, appears to have an acidic pI since it adsorbs to DEAE-cellulose at pH 7.4 but not to CM-cellulose at pH 6.4. In sucrose gradients, HBC migrates with S values of 1.69 and 4.02, suggesting that it has subunits or that it forms multimers under these conditions.

Studies on the inhibition of ferrochelatase by N-alkylated dicarboxylic porphyrins. Steric factors involved and evidence that the inhibition is reversible

The structural requirements for the inhibition of ferrochelatase by N-alkylated porphyrins were investigated and experiments carried out to explore the mechanism of enzyme inhibition. Three dicarboxylic porphyrins, all substrates of the enzyme, are strongly inhibitory when N-alkylated; in contrast, uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin (which are not substrates) do not inhibit after N-alkylation. Free carboxylic acid functions are required for inhibition, as the methyl ester derivatives are not themselves inhibitory. Porphyrins bearing the alkyl group on the pyrrole nitrogen of rings C and D are less effective inhibitors, particularly when zinc is chelated in the centre of the tetrapyrrole or the N-alkyl group is relatively large in size. The substituents at the 2- and 4-positions of the porphyrin system may also affect the inhibitory activity, particularly for the isomers with ring C and D alkylated. The zinc chelates of several N-alkylprotoporphyrins are inhibitory towards haem oxygenase, another haem-binding enzyme, and also in this case increasing the size of the alkyl group decreased the inhibitory activity, particularly for isomers with ring C or D alkylated. The inhibition could be reversed by prolonged incubation with excess porphyrin substrate, but dealkylation of the N-alkylporphyrin during enzyme inhibition could not be demonstrated. It is concluded (a) that N-alkylated dicarboxylic porphyrins compete reversibly with the porphyrin substrate for the enzyme active site and (b) that the structural and steric factors discussed above affect the inhibitory activity by modifying the affinity of the N-alkylporphyrin inhibitor for the enzyme.

Prevention of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia in non-human primates by Zn-protoporphyrin

Non-human primates were used as a model of human neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and its chemotherapeutic suppression. High levels of haem oxygenase activity were detected in the liver and the spleen of neonatal rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus (Macaca irus) monkeys. When 1-day-old neonatal animals were given a single injection of Zn-protoporphyrin (40 mumol/kg, subcutaneously), serum bilirubin levels declined to nearly normal adult levels within 24 h and remained suppressed throughout the postnatal period (12 days). This treatment inhibited the activities of haem oxygenase and biliverdin reductase in the liver and the spleen, without affecting that of the brain. Zn-protoporphyrin treatment did not alter the activity of brain biliverdin reductase or increase brain bilirubin levels. The biological disposition of Zn-protoporphyrin was examined by measuring the biliary and urinary excretion of the metalloporphyrin complex, as well as its uptake and deposition in blood cells and tissues. Biliary excretion of the metalloporphyrin was minimal (0.12% over a 28 h period), and no evidence was detected for the urinary excretion of Zn-protoporphyrin. However, the concentration of metalloporphyrin in erythrocytes increased over the duration of the experiment (11 days) to such an extent that 46% of the administered compound was taken up by the cells. It appeared that the molecular basis for the sustained suppression of haem oxygenase activity and bilirubin production by Zn-protoporphyrin involved the release of the metalloporphyrin in the normal process of the degradation of fetal erythrocytes. The scope of the biological activity of Zn-protoporphyrin to alter haem-dependent processes appeared limited in nature, insofar as the microsomal contents of cytochrome P-450 and b5, as well as the aniline hydroxylase, were similar to those of the control animals. Also, the concentration of glutathione in the liver was unchanged. These findings suggest the potential usefulness of Zn-protoporphyrin in experimental and perhaps clinical conditions in which hyperbilirubinaemia occurs.

Effect of model trauma on the turnover of protein and hemoprotein components of hepatic microsomal membrane in immature rats

Administration of 14C-leucine and delta-[3,5-3H]-aminolevulinic acid to immature male rats leads to the incorporation of radioactivity into microsomal protein, including the hemoprotein cytochrome P-450. Non-hepatic regional ischemic trauma results in an increase in the half-life of total microsomal protein, but does not exert the same effect on microsomal heme-associated protein. Loss of radioactivity from microsomal hemoprotein, primarily cytochrome P-450, from traumatized animals exhibits a biphasic pattern similar to that in control animals. The half-life of both the fast-phase component and the slow-phase component is unchanged by trauma. Trauma does, however, increase the ratio of the fast- to slow-phase components of microsomal heme. A significant increase in heme oxygenase activity after trauma suggests that the fast-phase component of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 is more extensively degraded.

Effect of age on rat liver heme and drug metabolism

Old (24-months) rats have lower activities of hepatic delta-aminolevulinic synthase and the microsomal cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase activities--aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase--as compared to young (2-months) animals. In contrast, the activity of the heme degradative enzyme, heme oxygenase, is higher in the old rats. Cytochrome P-450 and microsomal heme contents were maintained in the old. When inducibility and inhibition of these enzymes were studied, the old rats responded to the same degree as the young. These results indicate that the ability of the heme synthetic and degradative enzymes to respond to decreasing cellular heme levels is not significantly altered with age. The observations that there is a lower baseline activity of ALA-synthase and good maintenance of microsomal heme and cytochrome P-450 content, in spite of elevated heme oxygenase activity in the old, suggest that, at least in the senescent rat, hepatic heme utilization and degradation are only loosely coupled to heme production. It appears, therefore, that alternate sources of heme for cytochrome P-450 are available in the old animals. Furthermore, it is suggested that the old rat has a baseline change in ALA-synthase, heme oxygenase, and cytochrome P-450 that may be overcome under the appropriate conditions.

Effect of cobalt on biliary excretion of bilirubin and glutathione

Adult male rats received cobaltous chloride (250 mumol/kg, sc) at various times (1-72 h) prior to assessment of hepatic heme oxygenase activity, bile flow, biliary concentration of bilirubin-glucuronides, and hepatic and biliary glutathione concentrations. Hepatic heme oxygenase activity increased 360% 24 h after treatment but returned to control levels by 72 h. Total biliary concentrations of the mono- and diglucuronides of bilirubin (BMG and BDG) were increased 47% at 24 h and returned to control levels more slowly than did heme oxygenase. Bile flow was not significantly changed at any time. Concentrations of hepatic reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) tended to increase after cobalt, but changes were not statistically significant. Biliary GSH and GSSG increased 1 h after cobalt treatment and were twice control values 3 h after treatment. These biliary glutathione concentrations declined to the control range by 6 h. These results demonstrate that increased liver heme oxygenase activity following cobalt treatment may be associated with elevated biliary excretion of bilirubin glucuronides. However, changes that occurred in biliary excretion of glutathione in response to cobalt treatment were not accompanied by parallel changes in hepatic glutathione levels.