The metabolism of pentachloronitrobenzene and 2:3:4:6-tetrachloronitrobenzene and the formation of mercapturic acids in the rabbit

Abstract

Metabolism of penta- and 2:3:4:6-tetrachloronitrobenzene in the rabbit was studied. An average of 62% of a 2 g dose of pentachloronitrobenzene is unabsorbed and excreted in feces. The average percentages excreted in urine as penta-chloroaniline and N-acetyl-S-pentachlorophenylcysteine were 12 and 14, respectively. Both metabolites were isolated. The average percentages of a 2 g dose of 2:3:4:6-tetrachloroaniline and N-acetyl-S-(2:3:4:6-tetrachlorophenyl) cysteine were 31 and 32, respectively. Both metabolites were isolated. Significance of the increased excretion of glucuronic acid caused by this compound is discussed. The formation of the mercapturic acid from the pentachloronitrobenzene involves replacement of the nitro group by an acetylcysteyl group. The mercapturic acid from 2:3:4:6-tetrachloronitrobenzene is probably formed in a similar way. The stability of the nitro group of some polychloro-nitrobenzenes towards ethanolic sodium hydroxide was compared with the ease of the formation of mercapturic acid in vivo.