Main excretion metabolites of 7-methoxy-2-nitronaphtho[2,1-b]furan (R 7000) in rats

Major metabolites, isolated from rat bile and urine after administration of a single dose of 7-methoxy-2-nitronaphtho[2,1-b]furan (R 7000; MNNF) labelled with 14C on the furan ring and on the methoxy group, were identified by comparison of their chromatographic behaviour and mass spectra with synthetic authentic reference compounds. Analysis of metabolites indicated three metabolic pathways for this compound in vivo, namely, demethylation of the methoxy group, hydroxylation of the aromatic ring and cleavage of the furan ring, followed by the reduction of the nitro group to amine.