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Glucuronuria in the koala.

Stuart McLean1, Sue Brandon, Noel W Davies

  • 1School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Tasmania 7000, Australia. stuart.mclean@utas.edu.au

Journal of Chemical Ecology
|August 16, 2003
PubMed
Summary
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Koala urine contains glucuronic acid, primarily from non-terpene phenolic compounds in eucalyptus leaves, not just terpenes. This finding explains the high glucuronuria observed in these marsupials.

Area of Science:

  • Zoology
  • Biochemistry
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Marsupial folivores, like koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus), exhibit normal glucuronuria, excreting significant amounts of glucuronic acid daily.
  • Previous assumptions attributed koala glucuronuria to Eucalyptus terpene metabolites, but recent findings indicate these are mostly excreted unconjugated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the major aglycones responsible for glucuronic acid conjugation in koala urine.
  • To investigate the contribution of non-terpene compounds to koala glucuronuria.

Main Methods:

  • Urine samples from six male koalas fed Eucalyptus cephalocarpa foliage were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
  • Glucuronides were identified by characteristic product ions, and aglycones were quantified after hydrolysis with beta-glucuronidase.

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Main Results:

  • Major non-terpene aglycones identified include 4-methylcatechol, resorcinol, salicyl alcohol, and two unidentified phenolic compounds.
  • These non-terpene aglycones account for approximately 60% of urinary glucuronic acid, with terpene metabolites contributing only about 10%.

Conclusions:

  • The majority of glucuronic acid in koala urine is conjugated with non-terpene, predominantly phenolic, aglycones.
  • These phenolic compounds, likely present as glycosides in eucalyptus leaves, are the primary drivers of glucuronuria in koalas.