Postnatal effect of arecoline on chlorophyllin-modulated hepatic biotransformation system enzymes in suckling neonate and lactating mice.

Abstract

The present study evaluates the potential of arecoline alkaloid on chlorophyllin (CHL) modulated levels of hepatic biotransformation system enzymes in suckling neonate and lactating mice. CHL [50, 100, or 200 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day] induced significant increases in the hepatic levels of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and sulfhydryl (-SH) in lactating dams and suckling pups of 14 or 21 days. The depleted level of hepatic Cytochrome (Cyt.) P-450 was observed only in lactating dams given 200 mg/kg b.w. CHL. Arecoline (20 mg/kg b.w.) could depress the CHL-induced levels of hepatic GST and -SH, while Cyt. P-450 and Cyt. b5 levels remained unaltered by arecoline alone or arecoline plus CHL treatment. In lactating dams the modulated levels of hepatic biotransformation system enzymes potentially could affect the detoxication efficacy of administered chemicals besides influencing the rate and extent of passage of metabolites to suckling neonate.