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Abstract
1. The metabolism of Δ1-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ1-THC) by lung and liver of rat and guinea-pig have been studied by isolated perfused-organ techniques. Metabolites were identified by t.l.c. and mass fragmentography.
2. Biotransformation in lungs showed a different quantitative pattern to the livers in both species. 4″-Hydroxy-Δ1 -THC was a major metabolite in both rat and guinea-pig lung. 7-Hydroxy-Δ1-THC was another major metabolite in guinea-pig lung, but a minor one in rat lung. 6α-Hydroxy-Δ1-THC and 6,7-dihydroxy-Δ1-THC were formed in small quantities in both species. Small amounts of 6β-hydroxy-Δ1-THC were detected in guinea-pig lung in addition to the metabolites mentioned.
3. Livers of rat and guinea-pig formed 7-hydroxy-Δ1-THC as the most abundant metabolite together with minor amounts of 6a-hydroxy- and 6,7-dihydroxy-Δ1-THC. 6β-Hydroxy-Δ1-THC was a minor liver metabolite in guinea-pig, and was found in rat only in trace amounts, together with Δ1-THC-6-one. No side-chain hydroxylated metabolites were detected in rat liver, while guinea-pig liver formed trace amounts of 3″-hydroxy- and 4″-hydroxy-Δ1′-THC.