Microsomal metabolism of N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine: formation of products resulting from alpha- and beta-oxidation.

We have identified propionaldehyde, n-propranolo, isopropanol and N-nitroso-2-hydroxy-propylpropylamine following incubation of N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine with a microsomal fraction from rat liver. Based on the yields of the various products, we have shown that beta-oxidation occurs at about 15% of the level of alpha-oxidation, beta- as well as alpha-oxidation was shown to be carried out by the microsomal mixed function oxidase system. N-nitroso-2-hydroxy-propylpropylamine is further oxidized by the microsomal preparation to yield N-nitroso-2-oxopropylpropylamine.