A sensitive GLC assay for ticrynafen, a diuretic agent with uricosuric properties, and its two metabolites in urine, serum, and plasma is described. The method employs methylation of carboxylic acid ...groups and trimethylsilyation of the hydroxyl group on one metabolite that cannot otherwise be separated readily from ticrynafen as a simple methyl ester. Urinary output and serum or plasma levels of ticrynafen and its two metabolites were measured in specimens from human volunteers receiving one 250-mg tablet.
1. 7,8-Dichloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (DCTQ), a potent reversible inhibitor of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, was well absorbed, readily metabolized and excreted mainly in urine.
2. ...Its pathways of metabolism in rats and dogs were markedly different. In the dog, N-methylation was followed by N-oxidation to give the corresponding N-methyl-N-oxide as the final metabolic product. This was not observed in the rat.
3. In the rat, major pathways are aromatization of DCTQ to the corresponding isoquinoline and subsequent hydroxylation in the hetero ring to all three possible isomeric hydroxy-isoquinolines.
4. Authentic metabolites were synthesized for comparison with metabolites isolated from urine.
