The metabolism of N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine by microsomes and hepatocytes from Fischer 344 rats

The metabolism of N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) was examined in microsomes from uninduced F-344 rats. Even when the conditions were varied, no metabolism of this compound was detected. On the other hand, freshly isolated hepatocytes from F-344 rats metabolized BOP efficiently to CO2. The kinetics of conversion showed there were at least two components. The high affinity component had a Km of 0.13 mM while the lower had a Km of 1.3 mM. As products of the metabolism, N-nitroso(2-hydroxypropyl)(2-oxopropyl)-amine (HPOP) and N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) were found whereas little acetol and no N-nitrosomethyl-2-oxopropylamine (MOP) were detected.