Gender differences in the metabolism of benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene in rat with special reference to certain biochemical parameters.

Metabolites viz. phenol, hippuric acid and total trichloro compounds of benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene respectively were estimated in the urine samples of male and female rats after exposure for a period of 30 days. The results exhibited higher metabolism in female rats than the male rats. Their metabolism might be regulated by cytochrome P450 isozymes in a gender specific manner. However, sex differences in the activity of glutathione-S-transferases of the liver have also been found to determine their toxicity. Results have been discussed with quantitative profiles of other enzymes established in the liver of male and female rats.

Effects of trichloroacetate, water chlorination by-product, on liver peroxisomes and antioxidant status in rats and mice

Seven groups of each of male Fischer 344 rats and B6C3F1 mice were provided with drinking water containing distilled water 0.05 g/L trichloroacetate [TCA], 0.5 g/L TCA, 1.0 g/L TCA, 4.5 g/L TCA; distilled water + vitamin E and 4.5 g/L TCA + vitamin E, respectively, for 30 days. Liver palmitoyl Co-A oxidase [PCOA] and glycolate oxidase were estimated as peroxisomal enzymes. In addition, the liver content of water-soluble antioxidants, antioxidant enzymes and alpha- tocopherol were measured. These results demonstrated that the mouse is more sensitive than the rat with respect to the enhancement of liver peroxisome proliferation by TCA. A condition of oxidative stress produced by TCA exposure in drinking water was conducted. The possible role of oxidative damage in the hepatic carcinogenicity of TCA may be involved