1H nuclear magnetic resonance study of metronidazole metabolism by perfused rat liver

Abstract
High-resolution1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at 300 MHz has been used to monitor the metabolism of metronidazole by the perfused rat liver. Samples of perfusate removed at various times during the perfusion show resonances from metronidazole and its major metabolites, as well as those from organic metabolites released from the liver. The major metabolite of metronidazole is shown to be its glucuronide conjugate. Metronidazole metabolism and glucuronide production are both stimulated in livers from rats pretreated with phenobarbitone.