INTERACTION OF PERFLUOROOCTYLBROMIDE WITH LIVER MICROSOMAL MONOOXYGENASE

Perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) is a component of fluorocarbon gas-transp orting emulsions. We show that in liver microsomes PFOB is metabolized by a NADPH-dependent mechanism with the release of bromine ions (Br-) . Administration of PFOB to rats decreases the content of cytochrome P -450 in liver microsomes by 20%. When compared to perfluorodecalin, PF OB is significantly less potent an inducer of the ''phenobarbital'' is oforms of cytochrome P-450 (P-450 II B-1/B-2) in the animals. It is su ggested that the anomalous cytochrome P-450-inducing properties of PFO B are associated with its susceptibility to microsomal monooxygenases. Hence, the universally adopted opinion that completely fluorinated or ganic compounds containing heteroatoms (N, O, H, etc.) and double bond s are inalterable and inert in vivo needs further verification.