Alteration of hepatic ornithine decarboxylase and aniline hydroxylase activities following a single dosing of azathioprine to rats.

Hepatic ornithine decarboxylase and aniline hydroxylase activities increased as early as 6h after a single dosing of azathioprine tomale rats and reached maximum levels at the 12th h after the treatment. However, aniline hydroxylase activity dropped to levels mu lower than the cintrols 48 h following azathioprine treatment. The results are discussed with regard to the role of azqathioprine during the promotion of hepatocarcinogenesis.