Altered hepatic drug metabolism in senescent mice

Abstract

Age-related alterations were examined in the system of hepatic drug metabolism in male mice. Although cytochrome P 450 content and composition did not change, several mixed-function oxidase activities decreased with age. However, both benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase and 7-ethoxycoumarin de-ethylase showed a significant increase in the senescent mouse, in contrast to the situation previously described in aging rats. Old mice were able to respond to treatment with polychlorinated biphenyls, potent inducers of hepatic drug metabolism. The basis for senescent changes in hepatic drug metabolism still requires elucidation.