The role of biotransformation in chemical-induced liver injury.

The role of drug metabolism in chemical-induced liver injury is reviewed. Parameters for studying the formation of chemically reactive metabolites are discussed and the factors that alter the formation and covalent binding of reactive metabolites are selectively emphasized. Some of the experimental work that led to these concepts is discussed, especially the chemical toxicology of the hepatic injury produced by acetaminophen, bromobenzene, furosemide, isoniazid and iproniazid.