THE METABOLISM OF 4-METHYLHEPTANE IN MALE FISCHER-344 RATS

The urinary metabolites of 4-methylheptane (4-MH) in male Fischer 344 rats, after administering the hydrocarbon by gavage, included 6-hydrox y-4-methyl-2-heptanone, 4-methyl-3,5-heptanediol, di-n-propyl acetic a cid, 4-methyl-2,5-heptanediol, 2-methyL-3-hydroxy-1-pentanoic acid, 4- methyl-1-heptanoic acid, 4-methyl-1,4-heptanediol, 4-methyl-2,6,-hepta nedioL and 4-methyl-1,6-heptanediol. Metabolism strongly favored the f ormation of diols and carboxylic acids. The metabolites were identifie d using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectromet ry (GC/MS). Histopathologic examination of the kidneys revealed minima l hyaline droplet formation (alpha2u-globulin nephropathy) in the prox imal tubule area.