Metabolism of nephrotoxic isopropylcyclohexane in male Fischer 344 rats.

The metabolism of isopropylcyclohexane and associated renal pathology were evaluated in male Fischer 344 rats exposed by oral gavage. The rats experienced moderate proximal tubular damage similar to that produced by acyclic, branched-chain hydrocarbons. The urinary metabolites of isopropylcyclohexane included cis-4-isopropylcyclohexanol, trans-4-isopropylcyclohexanol, 2-cyclohexylpropanoic acid, 2-cyclohexyl-1,3-propanediol, 2t-hydroxy-4t-isopropylcyclohexanol, 2c-hydroxy-4c-isopropyl-cyclohexanol, and 2c-hydroxy-4t-isopropylcyclohexanol. The extent and preferred sites of oxidative metabolism of nephrotoxic hydrocarbons could potentially prove useful in elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms.