Biochemical studies of toxic agents. 11. The occurrence of premercapturic acids

Abstract

Paper-chromatographic methods and tracer-isotope techniques with S35 -labeled compounds have been used in a study of the occurrence of premercapturic acids, i.e. acid-labile precursors of mercapturic acids. The administration to animals of benzene, naphthalene, anthracene and the mono-halogenobenzenes is followed by the excretion of the corresponding premercapturic acids. The amount of 1-naphthylmercapturic acid which can be obtained by the breakdown of 1-naphthylpremercapturic acid under acid conditions is dependent on the pH at which decomposition occurs. In the animal body benzyl chloride is converted directly into a mercapturic acid and does not give rise to a premercapturic acid.