SummaryThe frequency of gram-negative infections and endotoxemia in the perinatal period prompted an investigation of the effects of endotoxin (Escherichia coli026B6) on hepatic drug metabolism. Gravid female rats given injections IP with different dosages of lipopolysaccharide during late pregnancy resulted in significant depression of the liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenase activities. The acute administration of endotoxin to mothers (1.4 mg/kg on seventh day after parturition) significantly decreased the hepatic activity of aminopyrine demethylase and contents of cytochrome P-450 of suckling neonates and mothers. However, chronic administration of endotoxin (0.2 mg/kg/ day for 7 days) to lactating mothers did not alter neonatal enzyme activities. When neonates themselves were given injections of endotoxin (1.0 mg/kg) at 7, 16, and 27 days of age, a significant reduction in levels of mixed function oxidase enzymes was observed. These observations suggest that the ability of mothers and neonates to metabolize drugs is significantly decreased upon exposure to endotoxin, and this demands careful evaluation of drug disposition studies in gram-negative sepsis.