Toxicological evaluation and pharmacokinetic profile of beta‐hydroxypropionitrile in rats

Beta‐hydroxyproplonitrile (β‐HPN) was incorporated in the drinking water of rats in order to define the toxicological effects associated with repeated daily exposure to this compound. Parameters evaluated were appearance and demeanor, mortality, body weight, food consumption, water consumption, hematology, terminal organ weights and organ to body weight ratio, and gross and microscopic pathology of tissues. No untoward effects were associated with the ingestion of β‐HPN at the dose levels utilized. In addition to the 90‐day toxicity study by imbibition, a pharmacokinetic profile was determined using [14C]β‐hydroxypropionitrile. The concentration of 14C activity in liver, kidneys, and remaining carcass amounted to about 6.5% of the administered dose (20 mg/kg). The pharmacokinetic profile of β‐HPN accompanied by the low rate of conversion of β‐HPN to cyanide are consistent with the low toxicity of this compound.