Induction of Peroxisomes and mitochondria by di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate

Plasticizers have a broad use in different industrial processes and large amounts of these substances occur in soil, water, air and food [I], A number of investigations performed to date indicate that various plasticizers possess toxic, teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic properties [Z]. Previous investigators found an increase in the @oxidation of Fatty acids in rat liver homogenate after treatment af rats with a plasticizer Since this oxidation was insensitive to KCN,, the increase was attributed to an induction of the peroxisomd system. Here, we have analyzed the dietary effect of the most common plasticizer, di(2-ethylhexy~)phalate (DEHP) on rat liver and found sign&ant induction of both peroxisomes and mito~hondr~a. This unusual type of membrane and enzyme induction was not associated with damage of mitochondrial functions.