In vivoSuppression of Benzene and Styrene Oxidation by Co-administered Toluene in Rats and Effects of Phenobarbital

Abstract

1. Biotransformations of benzene to phenol, and styrene to phenylglyoxylic acid, mandelic acid and hippuric acid were suppressed by co-administration of toluene. 2. This is due to competitive inhibition of the oxidation mechanisms involved in the metabolism of these compounds; the induction of oxidative activities in the liver, with phenobarbital, alleviated the suppression. 3. Possible potentiation of toxicity of benzene and styrene by co-exposure to toluene is discussed herein.