Disposition and metabolism of some nitrofurylthiazoles possessing antiparasitic activity

1. The absorption, distribution and excretion of two 35S-labelled nitrofurylthiazole analogues have been investigated in rats and mice. The compounds are not well absorbed. Higher plasma and tissue levels are reached when more water-soluble analogues are administered. 2. Metabolic transformations of these two compounds and other membranes of the series include reduction of the nitro group, degradation of the furan ring and oxidation of the terminal alicyclic and aliphatic functions. 3. Metabolic cleavage of a morpholine ring to form an hydroxy-acid has been demonstrated for one member of the series.