Type II interferon induction and passive transfer depress the murine cytochrome P-450 drug metabolism system

Induction of type II interferon by sensitization of mice with Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain BCG and challenge with tuberculin resulted in a depression of the cytochrome P-450 drug metabolism system of the liver. The degree of depression was significantly greater than in mice that were only sensitized to BCG. Cytochrome b5 levels were not affected. In addition, the level of the depression of the cytochrome P-450 system correlated with the levels of type II interferon induced. Passive transfer of exogenous type II interferon preparations also significantly depressed the cytochrome P-450 system. Passive transfer of mock interferon or of normal serum had no effect.