Sex-related differences in the effect of cadmium on the induction of hepatic microsomal monooxygenases by phenobarbital in male and female rats.
3 days following an intraperitoneal injection of cadmium [Cd] (2.0 mg Cd/kg) an inhibition in hepatic microsomal drug metabolism for ethylmorphine and aniline was observed in male rats. Such treatment in female rats only inhibited metabolism of aniline. Following treatment with phenobarbital (50 mg/kg, i.p., for 4 days), the metabolism of both substrates was induced in rats of both sexes. In male rats, but not in female rats, Cd blocked the inducing action of phenobarbital.