The effects of toluene on the total CYP450 content and on levels of CYP2E1 and 2B6 Isoforms in the rat liver

We examined dose-dependent relationship between toluene and total CYP450 content, CYP2E1, CYP2B6 contents and GST from rat liver microsomes. Wistar rats were treated i.p. with toluene in propylene glycol daily for 12 days, at doses of 0.38 mM/kg bw (I group, female), and daily for 6 days at doses of 5 mM/kg bw (11 group, female, III group, male) and control group (IV group, female). Toluene exposure resulted in significant increase in the total CYP450 content and level of liver microsomal CYP2E1 and decrease in the level of CYP2136 in all exposed groups. Microsomal GST activity was enhanced by toluene in all groups. These results, which are sex-related, suggest that toluene influence total CYP450 content, levels of CYP2E1 and CYP2136 isoforms