Complexes of Metabolites of Amphetamines with Hepatic Cytochrome P-450

Abstract

1. Amphetamine, methamphetamine and many derivatives, in the presence of NADPH, O₂ and hepatic microsomes, form complexes with cytochrome P-450, detectable by their absorbance at 455 nm.

2. Para-hydroxylated amphetamines, the main metabolic products of amphetamine and methamphetamine in rats, and β-hydroxylated derivatives do not exhibit this spectral formation under similar conditions.

3. The relationship between the amphetamines and other compounds known to exhibit this spectrum is discussed and indicates that an intermediate formed during an hydroxylation reaction may be responsible for the 455 nm absorbance.