Radiopaque contrast media. XXXIX - Metabolism of iopronic acid by rat liver microsomes: characterization and identification of the metabolites.

The metabolism of iopronic acid, 2(2[(3-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodophenoxy)ethoxy]methyl)butyric acid, was studied in vitro using rat liver microsomes as enzyme source. By means of solvent extraction, T.L.C., H.P.L.C. and mass spectrometry, the hydroxyethyl (3-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodophenyl) ether and the 3-acetamido-2,4,6-triiodophenoxyacetic acid have been identified as the metabolities of the parent drug. No deiodinated metabolites were found. The probable mechanism of the in vitro formation of the metabolites is discussed.