[15N]methacetin urine test: a method to study the development of hepatic detoxification capacity.

The [15N]methacetin urine test was used to study human O-demethylase activities to characterize the maturation of hepatic detoxification capacity. The study involved 43 healthy subjects aged 1 day-47 years. The urinary 15N elimination rates were measured following oral administrations of an aqueous [15N]methacetin solution. Age-dependent normal values of hepatic drug elimination capacity were established. Parameters were the 15N elimination half-life and cumulative elimination of the 15N dose as a percentage over a 9 h period. The maximum elimination rate (% dose/h) and peak time can give additional information. The 15N method is a simple, non-invasive and non-radioactive liver function test avoiding disadvantages of 14C and 13C breath tests. The [15N]methacetin test is suitable and useful in studying the hepatic development at birth and pathological changes of the microsomal detoxification capacity in early childhood.