Studies in detoxication. 30. The metabolism of benzene. (a) The determination of benzene. (b) The elimination of unchanged benzene by rabbits

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Abstract
The method for the detn. of benzene based on nitration to m-dinitrobenzene and development of a color by the interaction of the dinitrobenzene and a ketone in the presence of alkali was carefully investigated. The influence of alkali, ethanol, water, nature of the ketone and 0- and p-dinitrobenzene on color development was studied, and a rapid and improved method was developed. The elimination of unchanged benzene by rabbits receiving benzene by mouth and by injn. was investigated. By placing rabbits, after receiving benzene, in a respiration chamber, the amt. of unchanged benzene eliminated was estimated by aeration into a nitrating mixture and subsequently determining the m-dinitrobenzene produced. The benzene was eliminated during 15-30 hrs., about 40% being recovered unchanged at the dose levels of 0.25 and 0.5 g./kg. and 64% at 1 g./kg. The results are discussed in relation to earlier studies on benzene and it is shown that the ability of the rabbit to catabolize benzene is limited to roughly 300-400 mg./kg./day. The benzene eliminated unchanged plus that oxidized and excreted as oxygen-conjugates accounts for at least 60% of the admd. benzene.