OVINE METABOLISM OF ZEARALENONE TO ALPHA-ZEARALANOL (ZERANOL)

This is the first report of a metabolic conversion in animals of zeara lenone to zearalanols. Zearalenone was labeled with deuterium by base- catalyzed isotope exchange. The labeled zearalenone, in the form of it s beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex, was administered orally and int ravenously to sheep. In addition to deuteriozearalenone glucuronide, a nalysis of the urine revealed the presence of deuteriated alpha- and b eta-zearalenol and alpha- and beta-zearalanol glucuronides. No zearala none was detected in the urine. The problem of cis-trans isomerization of zearalenone in the presence of sunlight is also discussed.