DISTRIBUTION OF XENOBIOTIC-METABOLIZING ENZYMES IN SKIN

In the present study, the distribution and nature of specific xenobiot ic-metabolizing enzymes has been studied. Immunocytochemistry revealed the specific isoenzyme profile of the different cell types in mouse, rat and human skin. Constitutive levels of cytochrome P-450 1A1/A2 (CY P1A1/A2), CYP2B1/B2 and glutathione S-transferase were concentrated in the epidermis and sebaceous glands of all three species. Enzymic dige stion followed by density gradient centrifugation resulted in fraction s enriched in sebaceous cells, basal cells and differentiated keratino cytes. The basal and sebaceous cells of mouse skin were found to conta in high levels of CYP1A1/A2, which was induced approximately 10-fold f ollowing beta-naphthoflavone pretreatment. These findings suggest that xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes exhibit a similar qualitative distrib ution between the cell types of rodent and human skin and that these c ell types may be isolated for use in mechanistic studies involving cut aneous metabolism and toxicity.