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The four azo dyes such as Amaranth (FD and C Red No.2), Tartrazine (FD and C Yellow No.4), sunset Yellow (FD and C Yellow No.5) and Allura red (FD and C Red No.40) are currently employed as a food additives in Korea. In this study, the effects of these azo dyes on the hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidase systems in Rats. (i.e., Cyt. P-450, Cyt. b5, NADPH cyt. c-reductase and azo reductase) were investigated. Furthermore, to determine the relationship among the electron transport systems, each level of azo reductase, Cyt. P-450 and NADPH cyt. c-reductase was measured upon the administration of phenobarbital (known as an inducer of Cyt. P-450), 3-methylcholanthrene (Known as an inducer of Cyt. P-448), CoCl2 (inhibitor on Cyt. P-450) or CCl4 (inhibitor on Cyt. P-450). The results of these studies are as follows; (1) The levels of Cyt. P-450 and Cyt. b5 were decreased upon the administration of these azo dyes. (2) When the level of Cyt. P-450 was decreased, the azo reductase activity was also decreased. (3) These azo dyes did not show any significant effect on the level of NADPH cyt. c-reductase. (4) The administration of 3-methylcholanthrene resulted in the elevation of azo reductase activity. The 3-methylcholanthrene may be responsible for the induction of CO-insensitive electron transport system.
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