The metabolism of ethylcyclohexane in Fischer 344 rats

Abstract The urinary metabolites of ethylcyclohexane (ECH) in male Fischer 344 rats, administered the hydrocarbon by gavage, included 4-ethylcyclohexanol, 2-hydroxy-4-ethylcyclohexanone, 2 c -hydroxy-4 c -ethylcyclohexanol, 2 c -hydroxy-4 t -ethylcyclohexanol, 2 t -hydroxy-4 c -ethylcyclohexanol and 2 t -hydroxy-4- t -ethylcyclohexanol. The metabolites were identified using gasliquid partition chromatography (GC) and gas-liquid partition chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Metabolism of ECH occurred exclusively on the ring. Histopathologic examination revealed mild to moderate renal damage.