Renal elimination of the hypoxic cell radiosensitizer misonidazole in Wistar rats: influence of some drugs on its excretion.

The hypoxic cell radiosensitizing drug, misonidazole (Miso) (Ro 07-0582) and its demethylated metabolite were administered to Wistar rats at different dose levels to examine their renal elimination. The data were consistent with a model in which Miso is eliminated mainly after biotransformation into desmethylmisonidazole (Demiso) which is eliminated according to its renal clearance. The study of Miso renal elimination process shows a tubular reabsorption. So we analyzed the interaction of various drugs on urinary 24 hours elimination of this radiosensitizer. Following results were observed: Furosemide and acetazolamide do not change the rate of renal elimination of the drug; Soludactone increases the elimination level of unmetabolized Miso (p less than 0.01); Under probenecid treatment, the elimination of Miso and its O-demethylated derivative are increased; On the other hand, after a pretreatment with phenobarbital, the urinary level of desmethylmisonidazole is strongly increased (p less than 0.001).