Comparison of the induction of rat glutathione S-transferase and fatty acid ethyl ester synthase activities

Abstract

Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) are formed following the administration of ethanol and have previously been associated with lexicological effects in animals and humans. It has been suggested that the enzyme responsible, FAEE synthase, has both structural and catalytic properties very similar to a glutathione S-transferase (GST). Since GSTs are inducible, their induction could be associated with enhanced FAEE formation and toxicity. In the present study, rats were administered β-naphthoflavone, phenobarbital, ethanol, or Aroclor 1254, and hepatic FAEE synthase and GST activities were measured. β-Naphthoflavone and ethanol did not induce either activity. Phenobarbital increased GST activity in the liver but not in lung or pancreas. Only Aroclor 1254, which increased GST activity in liver and pancreas, increased FAEE synthase activity and then only in the liver. Thus, in comparison with GST activity, FAEE synthase activity is very limited in its ability to be induced.