抄録
Mechanisms of metabolic activation of carcinogenic chemicals, especially arylamines, are discussed together with characteristics of enzymes involved in the activation in the liver and extrahepatic tissues. In rodents, drug and carcinogen metabolizing activities often show clear age-and sex-related differences and also vary in diseased states. The current understanding of the roles of pituitary growth hormone and thyroid hormone on changes of hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes is shown in relation to the developmental changes and alteration in patho-physiological conditions.