Effect of o,p'-DDD on Hepatic Metabolism of Pentobarbital in Rats,

Abstract

Both subcutaneous (100 mg/kg day) and oral (300 mg/kg day) treatment of rats for 2 days with the compound, o,p′-DDD, shortened pentobarbital sleeping time. Hepatic metabolism of pentobarbital was measured in liver slices taken from these animals after 3 days of treatment and found to be significantly increased. Concomitant treatment with ethionine (150 mg/kg), an inhibitor of protein synthesis, blocked the effects of o,p′-DDD on both sleeping time and in vitro hepatic metabolism of pentobarbital. On the basis of these criteria it is suggested that o,p′-DDD induces hepatic enzymes which metabolize pentobarbital.