In vivo and in vitro metabolism of 2-methylnaphthalene in the guinea pig.

The metabolism of 2-methylnaphthalene (2-MN) in guinea pigs (in vivo and in vitro) was investigated. Excretion of 2-MN from guinea pigs took place rapidly. In the first 24 hr, nearly 80% of the orally administered 2-[3H]-MN was excreted in the urine in the form of several metabolites, and about 10% of it was recovered in the feces. The major metabolites in the urine were oxidative products of the methyl group of 2-MN (naphthoic acid and its glycine and glucuronic acid conjugates) and accounted for 76% of the total urinary radioactivity in the first 24 hr. S-(7-Methyl-1-naphthyl)cysteine and glucuronic acid and sulfate conjugates of 7-methyl-1-naphthol were also identified as minor metabolites (18% of the total urinary radioactivity). As an in vitro metabolite, the formation of S-(7-methyl-1-naphthyl)glutathione was indicated using the 9,000g supernatant of the homogenate of guinea pig liver. The oral administration of 2-MN (500 mg/kg) to guinea pigs significantly lowered the trichloroacetic acid-soluble sulfhydryl content in the liver.