Metabolism of Arylhydrazines by Mouse Liver Mixed-Function Oxidases in Vitro

The metabolism of a group of arylhydrazines and arylhydrazides by mouse liver mixed-function oxidases was studied in vitro. The arylhydrazines, 4-methylphenylhydrazine hydrochloride and the N-acetyl derivatives of 4-methylphenyl-and 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenylhydrazine, were all readily metabolized. Their metabolism was inhibited by metyrapone and carbon monoxide. Agaritine, the arylhydrazide [N^β-[(+)-γ-glutamyl]-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenylhydrazine] (A), was poorly metabolized. The small amount of metabolism of A was not inhibited by metyrapone or carbon monoxide, suggesting that the breakdown represented nonspecific decomposition, not metabolism.