Metabolism of Chloroform—I. The Metabolism of [¹⁴C] Chloroform by Different Species

Abstract

1. The metabolism of [¹⁴C]chloroform by the mouse, rat and monkey has been investigated. A pronounced species variation was observed.

2. In all three strains of mice examined about 80% of a dose of 60 mg/kg ¹⁴CHCl₃ was converted to ¹⁴CO₂. In the rat about 60% conversion occurred whilst only 20% conversion occurred in the squirrel monkey.

3. [¹⁴C]Urea was present in the urine of both rat and mouse, together with at least two other metabolites.

4. Whole-body autoradiography was carried out on rat and monkey.

5. ¹⁴CHCl₃ was detected in monkey bile.

6. Blood levels of radioactivity were determined after oral dosage of ¹⁴CHCl₃ to mice and monkeys.