EXPRESSION OF CYTOCHROME-P450 ENZYMES IN THE CERVIX - AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY

The expression of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes (subfamilies) CYP1A, CYP2 B, CYP2C, CYP3A and CYP4A in the histologically normal cervix was expl ored using a panel of polyclonal antibodies. There was variation in th e intensity of immunohistochemical reaction between the isoenzymes and between the various components of the cervix. Half the subjects teste d were smokers and had increased urinary cotinine levels. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between smokers and non-s mokers in the expression of these isoenzymes. The implications of thes e observations in relation to cervical carcinogenesis are discussed.