Evidence for the involvement of cytochrome P-450 in reduction of benzo(a)pyrene 4,5-oxide by rat liver microsomes

Abstract

Benzo(a)pyrene 4,5-oxide is reduced to benzo(a)pyrene by microsomes in the presence of NADPH. Carbon monoxide and oxygen inhibit this reduction. The liver has highest activity which is almost lackng in new-born rats. Phenobarbital as well as 3-methylcholanthrene pretreatment increases the epoxide reduction. Additions of FMN or methylviologen stimulate the epoxide reduction; dimethylaniline N-oxide and cumene hydroperoxide are inhibitory. These results indicate that benzo(a)pyrene 4,5-oxide is reduced by the reduced form of cytochrome P-450.