Effects of dioxane on RNA synthesis in the rat liver

The effect of dioxane on transcription was investigated. On intravenous administration of the lower dose (10 mg/rat) both RNA polymerase A and B activities were initially depressed but recovered after 1 h. A secondary effect on RNA polymerase A was observed but the enzyme activity recovered at 24 h when it was about 35% above control values whereas RNA polymerase B activity had achieved control values. With a higher dose (100 mg/rat) the pattern was similar but the suppressive effects were more pronounced - RNA polymerase B activity never attained control values during the times studied whereas there was no increase in RNA polymerase A activity at 24 h.