Metabolite Identification by GC-MS: Species Differences in the Metabolic Patterns of Isopropylbiphenyl

Summary

Isopropylbiphenyl is an active anti-inflammatory agent in rats. The biological effects of the compound appeared to be mediated at least in part by metabolites. As a consequence an extensive study of the metabolism of this interesting hydrocarbon in several species, including man, was required. This objective was successfully accomplished in a relatively short time by extensive use of GC-MS technology. The complex metabolite sequences found proved to be different for each species studied (rat, dog, monkey, man). Metabolite patterns in each species were consistent with the pharmacological and toxicological properties in that species. Metabolite patterns were a consequence of sequential oxidation beginning with hydroxylation of the isopropyl group at the tertiary carbon in dog and man and at both the tertiary and primary carbon in rat and monkey.