Biotransformation of diphenyl ether by trout and guinea-pigs after intraperitoneal administration

Diphenyl ether (DPE) was administered intraperitoneally to rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and guinea-pigs (Duncan Hartley). DPE metabolites in the urine and bile of trout and the urine of guinea-pigs were isolated and analysed by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry. No unchanged DPE was found in the biological fluids of guinea-pigs and trout. Only conjugated metabolites of DPE were present in the bile and urine of the trout: 4-hydroxy- and possible 3-hydroxy-DPE conjugates were found in the bile whereas 4-hydroxy- and 4,4-dihydroxy-DPE conjugates were detected in the urine. Both free and conjugated metabolites of DPE were isolated from the urine of guinea-pigs. These metabolites were 2-hydroxy-, 4-hydroxy, 4,4'-dihydroxy-, 4-methoxy-monohydroxy- and methoxy-dihydroxy-derivatives of DPE.