Metabolites of 2,4′,5-trichlorobiphenyl in rats

Abstract

1. Nineteen metabolites of 2,4′,5-trichlorobiphenyl were isolated from rat urine, faeces and bile. These metabolites resulted from one or more of the following transformations: dechlorination, hydroxylation, thiolation, methylthiolation, methylthio oxidation, dihydrodiol formation, mercapturic acid formation and conjugation with glucuronic acid.

2. Mercapturic acid-pathway metabolites were the major metabolites in the bile.

3. Methylthio-, methylsulphinyl- and methylsulphonyl-containing metabolites were the major metabolites in the faeces of control rats.

4. A synthetic pathway for the preparation of sulphur-containing metabolites of trichlorobiphenyl is described.