Activities of cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases and antioxidant enzymes in different organs of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) inhabiting reference and contaminated sites

Wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) were collected from a site contaminated by a range of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mineral oils, polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals. Activities of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (ethoxy-, pentoxy- and benzoxy-resorufin O-dealkylases, and 4-nitrophenol hydroxylase) were measured in microsomal fractions from liver and lung. Antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, selenium-dependent and non-selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidases) were also measured in cytosolic fractions from lung and liver, and in erythrocytes. The levels of activities were compared with those found in control laboratory rats and in wild Norway rats reared in a terrarium. Results show that rats living in a polluted environment have monooxygenase activities higher than that of control animals in both liver and lung. Some modifications of antioxidant enzyme activities were also found in these animals.