The Oxidative Metabolism of α-Chlorohydrin in the Male Rat and the Formation of Spermatocoeles

Abstract

1. The oxidative metabolism of [3-³⁶Cl]chloropropan-1,2-diol (α-chloro-hydrin, I) was studied in male rats. Two metabolites were isolated and identified as β-chlorolactic acid (IV) and oxalic acid (V).

2. Neither α-chlorohydrin nor β-chlorolactate was concentrated in any tissue. Traces of an intermediate metabolite, β-chlorolactaldehyde (III) were detected in the urine within 4 h of administration. Studies in vitro indicated that the metabolic pathway is: α-chlorohydrin, β-chlorolactaldehyde, β-chlorolactic acid.

3. A comparative study of the metabolism of ³⁶Cl- and ¹⁴C-β-chlorolactate showed that oxalate was produced slowly and, as calcium oxalate, caused a type of renal glomerular nephritis. This pathological condition is responsible for the diuretic action of both α-chlorohydrin and β-chlorolactate and, in higher doses, for their toxicities.

4. The role of oxalate, as a metabolite of α-chlorohydrin and of a number of related compounds, in inducing the formation of spermatocoeles in the male rat reproductive tract is discussed.