Metabolism of nephrotoxic cis- and trans-decalin in Fischer-344 rats

The cis- and trans-decalin stereoisomers have found many uses as solvents and fuel components. The metabolism of the decalin isomers in male and female Fischer-344 rats and the effects of the decalins on renal damage were evaluated. Only male rats had kidney damage. Metabolism of cis-decalin yielded cis,trans-1-decalol and cis,cis-2-decalol in the urine of both sexes, with the male also producing cis,cis-1-decalol. The urinary metabolites of trans-decalin included trans,cis-2-decalol in both male and female rats and trans,trans-1-decalol in males. Extracts of kidney homogenates from male rats, but not from females, dosed with cis- and trans-decalin yielded cis-2-decalone and trans-2-decalone, respectively. A single male rat treated with trans-decalin produced no 2-decalone in the kidney extract and also showed no renal damage.