Metabolism of prostacyclin in rat

Abstract
Following a single i.v. administration of [11-3H]prostacyclin in rat, 77% of the administered dose was excreted within 3 days with 33% in urine and 44% in feces. Urinary metabolites were accumulated by chronic i.v. infusions of [11-3H]prostacyclin for 14 days. The drug was extensively metabolized and the structures of 7 metabolites were elucidated by combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The urinary products include the dinor and 19-hydroxy dinor derivatives of 6-keto-PG[prostaglandin]F1.alpha. and 13,14-dihydro-6,15-diketo-PGF1.alpha.,.omega.-hydroxy and .omega.-carboxyl dinor derivatives of dihydro-6,15-diketo-PGF1.alpha. and a dihydrodiketotetranordicarboxylic acid. The metabolic pathways of PGI2 in rat were similar to that of PGF2.alpha.