Effect of benznidazole on the mixed function oxygenase system from rat liver microsomes.

Previous Benznidazole (Bz) administration to rats (30 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly prolongs their pentobarbital sleeping time. This prolonging effect of Bz administration correlates with the inhibitory action of Bz on the liver aminopyrine or ethylmorphine N-demethylase activities. Inhibition of these enzyme systems by Bz is non-competitive and would not be related to changes in liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 (P-450) content or in cytochrome c-reductase activity or to interactions of Bz with P-450 leading to spectral changes. Covalent interactions of Bz reactive metabolites with microsomal proteins or phospholipids might be involved instead.