Comparative distribution of misonidazole and its amine metabolite in female Swiss Webster mice.

The distribution of misonidazole and its terminal reduction product 1-(2-amino-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol (miso-amine) were compared in female Swiss Webster mice to determine if either misonidazole or miso-amine is distributed to peripheral nerves. Female Swiss Webster mice received a 100 mg/kg (5 microCi/mumole) i.p. dose of either 3H-misonidazole or 3H-miso-amine and the distribution of radioactivity was determined in various tissues including sciatic nerves and other myelinated nerves. Urine from misonidazole treated animals contained both miso-amine and misonidazole (8.4 and 20.4%, respectively, of the total radioactivity in the urine). Misonidazole produced higher initial tissue concentrations of radioactivity than did miso-amine. The relative tissue concentrations of radioactivity produced by misonidazole or miso-amine were similar, although not identical, 48 hours after administration of the drugs. Both sciatic and other myelinated nerves were found to retain radioactivity following the administration of either misonidazole or miso-amine.