Early appearance of methoxyflurane fluorometabolites in mice.

The biotransformation of methoxyflurane produces two fluorometabolites: inorganic fluoride (F) and an acid-labile fluorocompound (OALF). These have been assayed in the serum of male mice 10, 30, and 100 minutes after either ip or sc injections of 0.7 microliter of methoxyflurane (MOF) per gram of body weight, as either the volatile liquid itself or as a 1:10 dilution in corn oil. During the 10- to 100-minute intervals, the mice were observed for loss of the righting reflex. Corn oil dilution significantly altered the production of MOF fluorometabolites, usually decreasing them, but after 100 minutes, the serum concentration of OALF was 25% greater. Loss of righting reflex was also altered; 11 of 18 mice given undiluted MOF experienced it, whereas only 2 of 18 given the diluted agent did. Compared to the tip route, the sc route resulted in less fluoride at all three time intervals, but more of the OALF after 30 and 100 minutes. None of the sc-dosed mice lost his righting reflex.