Suppression of CYP3A2 mRNA expression in the warfarin-resistant roof rat, Rattus rattus: possible involvement of cytochrome P450 in the warfarin resistance mechanism

1. The continual use of warfarin as a rodenticide has caused the developmen t of populations of warfarin-resistant roof rat. To study the biochemical m echanism of warfarin resistance, the mRNA expression levels of the major P4 50 forms in the warfarin-resistant and -susceptible roof rat liver followin g exposure to warfarin were quantified by competitive RT-PCR. 2. The constitutive levels of CYP2C11 and CYP3A2 mRNAs in the warfarin-resi stant and -susceptible roof rat were extremely low compared with those in t he SD rat. In response to warfarin administration, the CYP3A2 mRNA level in the warfarin-susceptible rat increased to about 3-fold of that before the treatment, whereas in the warfarin-resistant roof rat, CYP3A2 mRNA remained at a low level. 3. The present results suggest the possibility that reduced synthesis of CY P3A2 mRNA is involved in the warfarin-resistant mechanism in the roof rat.