Reductive metabolism of nitrofurantoin in the rat.

The reductive metabolism of nitrofurantoin under anaerobic conditions was characterized in various tissues from control, germ-free, and germ-free acclimatized rats. Nitrofurantoin metabolism was highest in homogenates of cecum and colon contents of germ-free acclimatized and control rats, but was absent from those of germ-free animals. Appreciable levels of activity were also present in homogenates of liver and of small intestine walls with lesser rates of metabolism observed in kidney homogenates. The major metabolite of nitrofurantoin, which was isolated and purified by high-pressure liquid chromatography, was identified as 1-[[(3-cyano-1-oxopropyl)-methylene]amino]-2,4-imidazolidinedione. A second, minor metabolite with high-pressure liquid chromatography and ultraviolet absorption characteristics similar to those of 1-[[(5-amino-2-furanyl)methylene]amino]-2,4-imidazolidinedione (aminofurantoin) was detected in cecum and colon contents.