Distribution of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid in mice

Distribution of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, a tryptophan metabolite suspected of being carcinogenic, was studied in mice. After sc injection of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid generally labeled with tritium into male (BALB/c X DBA/2)F1 mice, the distribution of tritium was investigated by whole-body autoradiography and radioactivity measurement. Then, metabolites in the organs and urine was analyzed by paper and thin-layer chromatography. At 30 and 60 min after injection, tritium was distributed mainly in the liver and kidneys, and after 6 hr, tritium remained in the lymphoid organs. However, at 30 min and 6 hr after injection, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid and its metabolites that might be related to carcinogenic action could not be detected in the liver, kidneys, spleen, or lymph node. 3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid and its sulfate were detected only in urine. These results suggest that 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid is rapidly metabolized and does not accumulate per se in the specific organ. However, urinary organs can be exposed to this compound.