The effect of fluorine substitution on the hepatotoxicity and metabolism of paracetamol in the mouse.

The widely used analgesic paracetamol (P) produces fulminant hepatocellular necrosis in humans when taken in overdose. The toxicity is mediated by drug oxidation and depletion of hepatic glutathione. We have, therefore, explored the effects of fluorine substitution on the hepatotoxicity of P in female CD1 mice. 3-Fluoro-4-hydroxyacetanilide (1FPO), 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxyacetanilide (2FPO), 2,6-difluoro-4-hydroxyacetanilide (2FPN) and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-hydroxyacetanilide (4FP) were synthesized, characterized and investigated for their potential to cause hepatotoxicity in the mouse. Introduction of fluorine into P increases the oxidation potential of the drug. The oxidation potentials of paracetamol and its fluorinated analogues were measured by cyclic voltametry and found to increase in the order P < 1FPO < 2FPO < 2FPN < 4FP. Serum transaminase (ALT) and hepatic glutathione were measured 24 and 6 hr, respectively, after administration of a single dose (2.65 mmol/kg) of each compound to female CD1 mice. There was significant elevation of ALT in mice given P, 1FPO and 2FPO, but not in those which received either 2FPN or 4FP. Hepatic glutathione was reduced significantly by administration of P and IFP, but not after administration of 2FPO, 2FPN or 4FP. Accordingly, glucuronide and sulphate conjugates, but not thioether metabolites, were detected in urine after administration of 14C-labelled 2FPO, 2FPN and 4FP. These data indicate that introduction of fluorine into the 2 and 6 positions increases the oxidation potential of paracetamol which in turn reduces the propensity of the molecule to undergo oxidative bioactivation, and thereby reduces the in vivo toxicity of the molecule.