Effects of (-)-menthol on the distribution and metabolism of 2-aminofluorene in various tissues of Sprague-Dawley rats.

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether or not (-)-Menthol affects the distribution and metabolism of 2-aminofluorene (AF) in Sprague-Dawley rats. The AF, acetylated AF and AF metabolites were determined by using high performance liquid chromatography. AF was administered orally alone, with (-)-Menthol at the same time, and after 24-hour (-)-Menthol pretreatment and then urine, stool, blood and tissues from liver, kidneys, stomach, colon and bladder were collected and assayed for AF and its metabolites. Compared to the control group, (-)-Menthol caused an increase of the metabolites excreted in the urine and stool. The major metabolite excreted both in the urine and in the stool was 9-OH-AAF. The liver was the major metabolism center and the major residual metabolite of AF in the liver was 9-OH-AAF. When AF was given for 24 hours with (-)-Menthol to SD rats, the rate of carcinogen acetylation is decreased in bladder, blood, colon, kidney and liver tissues.