The effect of protein quality and ascorbic acid deficiency on stimulation of hepatic microsomal enzymes in guinea pigs

Abstract

Poor quality protein supports and even potentiates some metabolic responses in DDT + lindane-treated guinea pigs. Ascorbic acid deficiency, on the other hand, impairs induction of most of the responses measured. Animals fed soy protein and gelatin exhibit the highest O-demethylase activity, hepatic glycogen content and urinary excretion of lindane and lindane metabolites. However, only soy protein permitted significant increases in glucaric acid excretion, hepatic cytochrome P-450 content and glucuronyl transferase. Furthermore, only the guinea pigs on soy protein had statistically significant increases in the metabolic stimulation induced by DDT and lindane in the casein-fed animals. Thus, the animals on the soy protein diet excreted significantly more lindane and lindane metabolites as well as more glucaric acid than the guinea pigs receiving casein.