Proton NMR spectroscopic studies on the metabolism and biochemical effects of hydrazine in vivo.

The metabolism and disposition of hydrazine and its effects on endogenous metabolites has been studied in rats by the use of high resolution proton NMR spectroscopy of urine. Several metabolites of hydrazine were detected, notably acetyl- and diacetylhydrazine and a cyclised metabolite which results from a hydrazone formed from 2-oxoglutarate and hydrazine. Effects of hydrazine on endogenous metabolites in urine and plasma were also observed; notably a dose-related increase in urinary taurine, a dose-related increase in urinary and plasma lactate, increases in urinary alpha-alanine, beta-alanine, methylamine and a decrease in urinary 2-oxoglutarate. This study has indicated the utility of using high resolution proton NMR spectroscopy to analyse urine for both metabolites and endogenous compounds after exposure of animals to toxic substances.