Studies on the metabolism and toxicity of dinitrotoluenes--on excretion and distribution of tritium-labelled 2,4-dinitrotoluene (3H-2,4-DNT) in the rat.

In order to investigate the excretion and distribution of 2,4-DNT in the rat, 3H-2,4-DNT was synthesized by nitration reaction of 3H-toluene. About 21.3 per cent of the single orally administered radioactivity was excreted in the 1st day-faeces. The amounts of radioactivity in the 2nd day- and 3rd day-faeces were to be about 4.1 and 1.1 per cent, respectively. About 13.5 per cent of the radioactivity administered was excreted in the 1st day-urine, but after the 2nd day the excretion of radioactivity was to be trace. In all, about 46 per cent of the radioactivity administered was excreted in the faeces and urine during the 7 days. Seven days after administration relatively high levels of radioactivity were retained in adipose tissue, skin, and liver, however, the amounts of remaining radioactivity were to be only 1.5, 0.6 and 0.4 per cent, respectively. The amounts of radioactivity of the other organs were to be trace.