Activation of 3':5'-cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and induction of ornithine decarboxylase as early events in induction of mixed-function oxygenases.

The parenteral administration of a single dose of 3-methylcholanthrene to rats caused an increase in the liver of the concentration of 3', 5'-cAMP and of the activity of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (ATP:protein phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.37). These events were followed by an increased activity of ornithine decarboxylase (L-ornithine carboxy-lase, EC 4.1.1.17), the enzyme that controls the biosynthesis of polyamines. Finally, the activity of benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase, as well as the amount of cytochrome P-448, was increased. Similarly, after the administration of phenobarbital, there was first an increase in the cAMP concentration and in the activity of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, then the induction of ornithine decarboxylase, and finally, an enhanced activity of ethylmorphine N-demethylase and an increased content of cytochrome P-450. These data suggest that the drug-induced processes in liver that increase the activities of the oxidative, and presumably other, drug-metabolizing enzymes include the following sequence of events: (1) increase in cAMP concentration and/or activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase; (2) induction of ornithine decarboxylase; and, (3) induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes.