To study an effect of toluene administration on the toluene metabolism in rats liver previously fed a low (casein 7%, LP) or standard (casein 20%, SP) protein diet, toluene (50% in olive oil) was given at 0.2 ml per 100 g body weights once daily during 4 days to the male rats. The content of hepatic cytochrome P-450 was higher in rats fed SP than those fed LP. The hepatic benzylalcohol dehydrogenase activity was higher both in toluene-treated rats and its control group fed SP than those fed LP. The hepatic benzaldehyde dehydrogenase activity was somewhat higher in rats fed SP than those fed LP. In the case of toluene treatment, the increasing rate of hippuric acid contents to the control group were higher in rats SP than those fed LP. In conclusion, it is likely that the metabolic rate of toluene would be higher in rats fed SP than those fed LP.