Abstract
In order to identify biological indicators of exposure to trimethylbenzenes, the metabolism of pseudocumene (1,2,4-trimethylbenzene) was investigated in rabbits. After oral administration of this compound, urine was collected for several days and analyzed for the presence of acidic metabolites. Isolation techniques included steam-distillation, direct extraction of urine by ethyl acetate, preparative thin-layer and column chromatography of the extract. The metabolites were identified by microanalysis, followed by TLC, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Two major urinary metabolites were identified, namely 2,4-dimethylbenzoic acid and 3,4-dimethylhippuric acid. The presence of these acidic metabolites in urine is a good indication of exposure to pseudocumene.
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J. Cerf is a recipient of a visiting fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
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Cerf, J., Potvin, M. & Laham, S. Acidic metabolites of pseudocumene in rabbit urine. Arch Toxicol 45, 93–100 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01270906
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01270906