Effect of fasting, induction, sex and age on clearance of benz(a)anthracene and chrysene by isolated perfused rat liver

Hepatic clearances of benz(a)anthracene (B(a)A) and chrysene (Ch) by isolated perfused liver of female rats were similar when measured with hydrocarbons singly (B(a)A 4.3 ml/min, Ch 5.1 ml/min) or in a mixture (4.7 resp. 5.3 ml/min). Clearance of both isomers by livers from 24 h fasted donors was approximately halved. In vivo pretreatment with B(a)A (22.8 mg per kg for 2 days) significantly increased elimination of both hydrocarbons. Hepatic clearance of B(a)A was significantly higher in male rats than in females of the same age (8 weeks). Elimination of both hydrocarbons was significantly lower in 2 year-old males.