Time-dependent modulation of cyp1a gene transcription and EROD activity by musk xylene in PLHC-1 and RTG-2 fish cell lines

► MX reduces cyp1a gene transcription and EROD activity in PLHC-1 and RTG-2 cell lines. ► MX does not alter CYP1A induction by B(a)P at gene transcription. ► MX has distinct metabolic than B(a)P pathway probably not involving AhR. ► An active involvement of phase II enzymes in MX metabolism is suggested.