CAR
Constitutive androstane receptor. CARs mediate the induction of CYP2B enzymes by agents such as phenobarbital, antihistamines and Aroclor 1254.
clearance
The volume of blood or plasma that is cleared of a substance per time unit through elimination processes.
CMV
Cytomegalovirus
coenzyme
A substance needed by certain enzymes to catalyze reactions. Most vitamins are considered coenzymes.
cofactor
A substance that functions as a co-substrate in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. For example, NADPH is a cofactor for cytochrome P450-catalyzed reactions.
CYP
Cytochrome P450
Cytochrome P450
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a family of membrane-bound hemeproteins that play a key role in the oxidative biotransformation of drugs and a variety of other xenobiotics and endobiotics.
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpesvirus that infects directly through mucous membrane contact or via tissue transplant or blood transfusion. Approximately half the adult population in developed countries, and three-quarters of HIV risk groups have been infected with CMV.
cytosol
A subcellular fraction that represents the soluble portion of liver homogenate, and contains numerous drug-metabolizing enzymes, especially those involved in Phase II biotransformation, such as sulfotransferases and glutathione
S-transferases.