Effect of zymosan on hepatic drug matabolism in mice.

Abstract

Effect of [yeast] zymosan, a typical reticuloendotherial stimulator, on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes was examined in mice. When given in vivo, it depressed all the activities of aminopyrine N-demethylase, p-nitroanisole O-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase. The effect of zymosan on drug metabolism was exerted solely on microsomes and there was a marked decrease of cytochrome P-450 content in microsomes of zymosan-treated animals. Aminopyrine N-demethylase activity became minimum 24 h after the administration of zymosan. Phagocytic activity was enhanced at the same time when the maximum depression of the metabolism of aminopyrine was observed.