Subcellular localization and drug-Induced changes; of rat liver and kidney esterases

Abstract

The subcellular distribution of the esterases of rat liver and kidney was examined by differential centrifugation followed by quantitative titrimetric analysis, starch-gel electrophoresis, and electron microscopy of the subcellular fractions. The esterases were found primarily in the microsomal fraction of the cell. Soluble or cytoplasmic forms of esterases were also found. These conclusions were substantiated by induction studies with DDT and sodium phenobarbitone. Both drugs were capable of inducing liver esterase activity, DDT being more potent. In contrast to the liver, increased kidney esterase activity was not induced by these compounds.