The metabolism of 3-aminobiphenyl and 3-acetamidobiphenyl in vitro.

The metabolism of 3-aminobiphenyl (3-ABP) and 3-acetamidobiphenyl (3-AABP) has been studied using fortified rat liver microsomal preparations. Metabolites in concentrates of ether extracts from hepatic microsomal preparations were analysed by TLC and GLC. The metabolites were characterised by a comparison of their chromatographic characteristics with synthetic compounds and response to detection reagents. 3-ABP appeared to be hydroxylated predominantly at the 2- and 4-ortho positions and to a minor extent at the 6-position, whereas 3-AABP was converted to 3-acetamido-6-hydroxybiphenyl as the major metabolite. 3-ABP was also converted to the corresponding hydroxylamine, nitroso and nitro compound although the latter may have arisen via a non enzymic process.