Abstract.
Investigation of the mixed function oxidase system of the brushtail possum was undertaken to provide fundamental information about this detoxication enzyme system in a marsupial. Brushtail possum hepatic cytochrome P450, cytochrome b 5 and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase levels, 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and (EROD) 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD) activities were in the range of values reported for eutherian mammals. Hepatic cyrochrome P450 content was significantly greater (p < 0.01) in brushtail possums from a non-urban population in comparison to an urban population, as was ECOD activity (p < 0.0001). EROD activity was significantly greater in female brushtail possums in comparison to males (p < 0.01). The factors potentially influencing the population- and sex-specific expression of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in the brushtail possum are discussed and include exogenous dietary xenobiotics and endogenous hormonal alterations influenced by reproductive status.
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Received: 15 June 1996/Revised: 1 November 1996
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Bolton, R., Ahokas, J. Mixed Function Oxidases in an Australian Marsupial, the Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) . Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 33, 83–89 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002449900227
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002449900227