Purification of cytochromes P-450 derived from liver microsomes of untreated and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-treated marmoset monkeys

The purification of multiple forms of cytochrome P-450 (P450) from 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-treated marmosets using fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) is described. The main aim was to achieve a better separation of certain closely related P450 sub-forms from each other than that previously obtained using conventional chromatography. An 8-aminooctyl-Sepharose fraction of cholate-solubilized microsomes was obtained first and, after fast desalting on Sephadex G-25, loaded on to a preparative Mono Q column. Five of the six gradient peaks contained P450 and were each rechromatographed on an analytical Mono Q column. The pass-through peak was fractionated further using a Mono S column. Other HPLC-quality anion- and cation-exchange gels were compared. For removal of excess of non-ionic detergent, five types of hydroxyapatite gels were compared. Seven purified forms of P450 and cytochrome b5 and P420 were isolated and characterized according to PHAST sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic apparent molecular masses, catalytic, spectral and magnetic properties and also TCDD-binding capacity (molar ratio of 14C]TCDD to P450). There are at least two sub-forms which appear to be TCDD inducible, one showing a substantial ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity and the other having a high TCDD-binding molar ratio. Two other forms appear to be constitutive, as deduced from comparisons with forms purified from untreated animals.