Comutagenesis-I: the in vitro metabolism of 2-amino-3-methylpyridine.

The metabolism of the comutagen 2-amino-3-methylpyridine has been studied in vitro using rat and rabbit hepatic preparations. 2-Amino-3-methylpyridine-N-oxide, 2-amino-3-hydroxymethylpyridine and 2-amino-5-hydroxy-3-methylpyridine were formed by both rat and rabbit hepatic preparations. No evidence was obtained for the formation of the corresponding 2-hydroxylamine, 2-nitroso, 2-nitro-3-methyl-pyridine or their condensation products i.e. azo, azoxy or hydrazo. The results are discussed in relation to the possible mechanism of action of the substrate.