The in vitro metabolism of aflatoxin Q1 by mouse and rabbit liver preparations.

The investigation of the in vitro metabolism of aflatoxin Q1 by the post-mitochondrial fraction of mouse and rabbit liver is reported. Both animals metabolized this substance at a turnover similar to aflatoxin B1. There was a higher bound fraction and lower aqueous fraction from the metabolism of B1 than from aflatoxin Q1. The aqueous fraction of the metabolisms evidenced the beta-D-glucuronide of aflatoxin Q1. The rabbit metabolism of Q1 was characterized by high levels of chloroform soluble metabolites. In contrast, the mouse metabolism resulted in high glucuronide and bound Q1 metabolite levels.