Microsomal Pentobarbital Hydroxylase Activity in Acute Viral Hepatitis

Abstract

Summary

Microsomal pentobarbital hydroxylase activity was estimated by a radioisotope dilution technique in liver biopsy specimens from patients in various stages of acute uncomplicated viral hepatitis. Results indicate that liver cell necrosis and regeneration may markedly alter drug-metabolizing enzymes independent of drug therapy. No significant difference was noted in mean pentobarbital hydroxylase activity in biopsy specimens from volunteer normal controls and those with localized acidophilic necrosis or focal inflammation. A significant decrease in enzyme activity occurred with subacute autolytic necrosis and a four-fold increase was noted during active regeneration, reflected in Kupffer cell proliferation and increased in vitro hepatic DNA synthesis. There is a variable relationship between pentobarbital hydroxylase activity, abnormal liver function tests, and morphologic evidence of hyperplasia of the endoplasmic reticulum.