Characterization of metabolites of benz(j)aceanthrylene in faeces, urine and bile from rat

Decreases in urinary pheromonal activities in male mice after exposure to 3-methylchoranthrene

Many classes of environmental pollutants, which are found at significant levels in the environment, affect the reproductive functions. The gonadal functions of various animals are regulated by pheromones excreted from mating partners. Pheromones in male urine play essential roles in the sexual maturation of female mice. Pheromones are received by sensory neurons in the vomeronasal organ, which innervate to the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). The effects of a typical aromatic environmental pollutant (3-methylchoranthrene) on excretion of pheromones from male mice were explored based on neuronal Fos responses of the AOB of female mice. On days 1 and 3 after intraperitoneal administration of 3-methylchoranthrene (3-MC), the density of Fos-immunoreactive (Fos-ir) cells in the AOB of female mice after exposure to urine excreted from the administered males was lower than that after exposure to urine from non-administered males. These results suggest that 3-MC blocks chemical communication from male to female mice by reducing pheromonal activities.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in the study of the metabolism of drugs and other xenobiotics

The application of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to the study of metabolism of drugs and other xenobiotics is reviewed. Original research papers covering the period from 1998 to early 2000 and concerning the use of LC/MS in the study of xenobiotic metabolism in humans and other mammalian species are reviewed. LC/MS interfaces, sample preparation steps, column types, mobile phases and additives, and the type of metabolites detected are summarized and discussed in an attempt to identify the current and future trends in the use of LC/MS for metabolism studies. Applications are listed according to the parent xenobiotic type and include substances used in therapeutics, drug candidates, compounds being evaluated in clinical trials, environmental pollutants, adulterants and naturally occurring substances.