The Fate of 2,6-Dimethoxy[U-¹⁴C]phenol in the Rat

Abstract

1. The metabolic fate of 2,6-dimethoxy[U-¹⁴C]phenol, administered intravenously to rats at three dose levels (10–30 mg/kg body wt.), was investigated.

2. The majority of injected radioactivity appeared in urine but significant amounts were eliminated via the bile (16.3–35.4%).

3. The urinary radioactivity was associated with two metabolites identified as 2,6-dimethoxy[U-¹⁴C]phenylglucuronide and 2,6-dimethoxy[U-¹⁴C]phenylsulphate. The glucuronide conjugate predominated in the female rat while approximately equal amounts of the conjugates were produced by the male.

4. The biliary metabolite was identified as 2,6-dimethoxy[U-¹⁴C]phenyl-glucuronide.