Specific inhibitors of the monooxygenase system of Saccharomyces cerevisiae modified the mutagenic effect of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide and the deethylation activity of the yeast

Carcinogenesis. 1986 Jul;7(7):1127-30. doi: 10.1093/carcin/7.7.1127.

Abstract

A form of cytochrome P-450 is produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain D7 during the logarithmic growth phase in 20% glucose liquid medium. This form was inhibited by metyrapone, tetrahydrofuran and by carbon monoxide, specific inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 in mammals. The inhibition was observed by means of the increase of the genetic activity of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) on logarithmic growth phase cells of D7 strain, adding the inhibitors to the incubation mixture. 4-NQO is a strong direct mutagen on stationary phase cells that is detoxified by the monooxygenase system. The inhibition was measured by determining the decrease of the O-deethylation of 7-ethoxycoumarin in whole cells of yeast depending on different concentrations of inhibitors. A decrease of O-deethylation activity was found in the presence of tetrahydrofuran and metyrapone and this behaviour is typical of the cytochrome P-450 species induced by ethanol, as in mammals. Adding sodium phenobarbital to 0.5% glucose liquid medium, a form inhibited only by metyrapone was obtained. The presence of different inducible forms of cytochrome P-450 is evident.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide / pharmacology*
  • 7-Alkoxycoumarin O-Dealkylase
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Ethanol / pharmacology
  • Furans / pharmacology
  • Metyrapone / pharmacology
  • Mutagens / pharmacology*
  • Nitroquinolines / pharmacology*
  • Oxygenases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Oxygenases / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / drug effects
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / enzymology*

Substances

  • Furans
  • Mutagens
  • Nitroquinolines
  • Ethanol
  • tetrahydrofuran
  • 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Oxygenases
  • 7-Alkoxycoumarin O-Dealkylase
  • Metyrapone