POSTMORTEM DRUG-METABOLISM BY BACTERIA

Studies were undertaken to determine the possible role of enteric bact eria in the postmortem bioconversion of the nitrobenzodiazepines fluni trazepam, clonazepam, and nitrazepam. Flunitrazepam, clonazepam, and n itrazepam were completely metabolized in blood in the presence of eigh t species of enteric bacteria to their respective 7-amino-metabolites. The rates of metabolism, at 37 degrees C, ranged from 0.1 ng/mL/min f or Streptococcus faecalis to 8.8 ng/mL/min for Clostridium perfringens . The rate of conversion was reduced to 87% by a combination of 0.7% ( w/v) sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, and almost completely inhi bited (96%) by 1% (w/v) sodium fluoride. pH had variable effects on th e rate of metabolic bioconversion of nitrobenzodiazepines, while incre asing temperatures were found to generally increase the rate of nitrob enzodiazepine bioconversion. These data support the proposal that bact eria may mediate postmortem bioconversion of the nitrobenzodiazepines.