Post-administration Urine Samples Research Articles

Metabolic studies of mesterolone in horses

Mesterolone (1α-methyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol-3-one) is a synthetic anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) with reported abuses in human sports. As for other AAS, mesterolone is also a potential doping agent in equine sports. Metabolic studies on mesterolone have been reported for humans, whereas little is known about its metabolic fate in horses. This paper describes the studies of both the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of mesterolone in racehorses with an objective to identify the most appropriate target metabolites for detecting mesterolone administration. In vitro biotransformation studies of mesterolone were performed by incubating the steroid with horse liver microsomes. Metabolites in the incubation mixture were isolated by liquid–liquid extraction and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) after acylation or silylation. Five metabolites (M1–M5) were detected. They were 1α-methyl-5α-androstan-3α-ol-17-one (M1), 1α-methyl-5α-androstan-3β-ol-17-one (M2), 1α-methyl-5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (M3), 1α-methyl-5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol (M4), and 1α-methyl-5α-androstane-3,17-dione (M5). Of these in vitro metabolites, M1, M3, M4 and M5 were confirmed using authentic reference standards. M2 was tentatively identified by mass spectral comparison to M1. For the in vivo metabolic studies, Proviron ® (20 tablets × 25 mg of mesterolone) was administered orally to two thoroughbred geldings. Pre- and post-administration urine samples were collected for analysis. Free and conjugated metabolites were isolated using solid-phase extraction and analysed by GC–MS as described for the in vitro studies. The results revealed that mesterolone was extensively metabolised and the parent drug was not detected in urine. Three metabolites detected in the in vitro studies, namely M1, M2 and M4, were also detected in post-administration urine samples. In addition, two stereoisomers each of 1α-methyl-5α-androstane-3,17α-diol (M6 and M7) and 1α-methyl-5α-androstane-3,16-diol-17-one (M8 and M9), and an 18-hydroxylated metabolite 1α-methyl-5α-androstane-3,18-diol-17-one (M10) were also detected. The metabolic pathway for mesterolone is postulated. These studies have shown that metabolites M8, M9 and M10 could be used as potential screening targets for controlling the misuse of mesterolone in horses.

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis to determine natural and post-administration levels of oestrogens in bovine serum and urine

A novel analytical approach has been developed and shown to be capable of detecting the isomers of oestradiol in the low ppt (pgmL−1) range in bovine serum and urine. Following extractive derivatisation the analytes were detected as their 3-pentafluorobenzoyl 17-trimethylsilyl ether derivatives by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), using electron capture negative ion chemical ionisation. The isomers of oestradiol were quantified in both blank and post-administration urine and serum samples, with a view to setting action/threshold levels for these compounds, to allow discrimination between normal samples and samples from animals treated with growth promoting ear implants. A non-parametric statistical assessment of the data resulted in proposed action levels (with a false positive probability of 1 in 1000) of 1.6 and 2.7ngmL−1 for 17α-oestradiol, in male and female urine, respectively, and 40 and 44pgmL−1 for 17β-oestradiol, in male and female urine, respectively. An action level of 20pgmL−1 was proposed for 17α- and 17β-oestradiol in male serum. In female serum the proposed action levels were 40 and 20pgmL−1 for 17α- and 17β-oestradiol, respectively.

Metabolic studies of turinabol in horses

Turinabol (4-chloro-17α-methyl-17β-hydroxy-1,4-androstadien-3-one) is a synthetic oral anabolic androgenic steroid. As in the case of other anabolic steroids, it is a prohibited substance in equine sports. The metabolism of turinabol in human has been reported previously; however, little is known about its metabolic fate in horses. This paper describes the studies of both the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of turinabol in racehorses with an objective to identify the most appropriate target metabolites for detecting turinabol administration.For the in vitro studies, turinabol was incubated with fresh horse liver microsomes. Metabolites in the incubation mixture were isolated by liquid–liquid extraction and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) after trimethylsilylation. The results showed that the major biotransformation of turinabol was hydroxylation at the C6, C16 and C20 sites to give metabolites 6β-hydroxyturinabol (M1), 20-hydroxyturinabol (M2), two stereoisomers of 6β,16-dihydroxyturinabol (M3a, M3b) and 6β,20-dihydroxyturinabol (M4). The metabolite 6β-hydroxyturinabol was confirmed using an authentic reference standard. The structures of all other turinabol metabolites were tentatively identified by mass spectral interpretation.For the in vivo studies, two horses were administered orally with turinabol. Pre- and post-administration urine samples were collected for analysis. Free and conjugated metabolites were isolated using solid-phase extraction and analysed by GC–MS as described for the in vitro studies. The results revealed that turinabol was extensively metabolised and the parent drug was not detected in urine. Two metabolites detected in the in vitro studies, namely 20-hydroxyturinabol and 6β,20-dihydroxyturinabol, these were also detected in post-administration urine samples. In addition, 17-epi-turinabol (M5) and six other metabolites (M6a–M6c and M7a–M7c), derived from D-ring hydroxylation and A-ring reduction, were also detected. Except for 17-epi-turinabol, none of these metabolites has ever been reported in any species. All in vivo metabolites were detected within 48h after administration.

Detection of androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione (6-OXO®) and its metabolites in urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in relation to doping analysis

The metabolism and excretion of androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione after administration of the 'nutritional' supplement 6-OXO was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in full-scan mode. The parent drug androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione and androst-4-ene-6alpha,17beta-diol-3-one and androst-4-ene-6alpha-ol-3,17-dione were detected in the post-administration urine samples. Because androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione is an anabolic steroid and an aromatase inhibitor, this substance is regarded as a doping agent. Hence, a selective and sensitive GC-MS method in selected ion monitoring mode for the detection of the TMS-enol-TMS-ether derivatives of these substances was developed and validated for doping control purposes. The limit of detection (LOD) of the investigated compounds ranged from 5 to 10 ng/mL. Using this method, the detection time for androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione and androst-4-ene-6alpha,17beta-diol-3-one was 24 h, while androst-4-ene-6alpha-ol-3,17-dione could be detected up to 37 h after administration of the dose recommended by the manufacturer.

Metabolic studies of methenolone acetate in horses

Methenolone acetate (17β-acetoxy-1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-3-one), a synthetic anabolic steroid, is frequently abused in human sports. It is preferred for its therapeutic efficiency and lower hepatic toxicity compared with its 17α-alkylated analogs. As with other anabolic steroids, methenolone acetate may be used to enhance performance in racehorses. Metabolic studies on methenolone acetate have been reported for humans, whereas little is known about its metabolic fate in horses. This paper describes the investigation of in vitro and in vivo metabolism of methenolone acetate in racehorses. Studies on the in vitro biotransformation of methenolone acetate with horse liver microsomes were carried out. Methenolone (M1, 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-17β-ol-3-one) and seven other metabolites (M2–M8) were detected in vitro. They were 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-ene-3,17-dione (M2), 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-6-ol-3,17-dione (M3) and two stereoisomers of 1-methylen-5α-androstan-2-ol-3,17-dione (M4 and M5), 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-16-ol-3,17-dione (M6) and monohydroxylated 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-17-ol-3-one (M7 and M8). After oral administration of Primobolan ® (80 tablets × 5 mg of methenolone acetate each) to two thoroughbred geldings, the parent steroid ester was not detected in the post-administration urine samples. However, seven metabolites, namely M1, M6–M8, two stereoisomers of M7 (M9 and M10) and 1-methyl-5α-androst-1-en-17α-ol-3-one (M11), could be detected. The metabolic pathway for methenolone acetate is postulated. This study has shown that metabolite M1 could be targeted for controlling the abuse of methenolone acetate in horses.

N-Deethylation and N-oxidation of etamiphylline: identification of etamiphylline- N-oxide in greyhound urine by high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Millophyline-V ®, (etamiphylline camsylate) was administered intramuscularly to two racing greyhounds at a dose of 10 mg kg −1. Unhydrolysed pre- and post-administration urine samples were extracted using mixed mode solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, the basic isolates derivatised as trimethylsilyl ethers and analysed by positive ion electron ionisation gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/EI+/MS). The parent drug and one metabolite, N-desethyletamiphylline, were detected in urine for up to 72 h. For semi-quantification, urine samples were extracted on-line using a Prospekt sample handler. The analytes retained on the C 2 SPE cartridge were eluted by the mobile phase directly on to the analytical high performance liquid chromatography column and analysed by positive ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (LC/APCI+) MS in the multiple selective-ion recording mode. A major peak containing both ions ( m/ z) 280 and ( m/ z) 252 was observed. Full scan LC/APCI+/MS of the unknown indicated that the ion at ( m/ z) 280 was formed by the loss of an oxygen atom [ MH + → ( MH + − O)]. Samples were analysed by positive ion electrospray ionisation LC/MS on two different instruments and the unknown compound was identified as an N-oxide of the tert. nitrogen atom of the 2-(diethylamino)ethyl substituent on N 7 of the theophylline nucleus. This compound has not been reported previously either as an in vivo or in vitro metabolite of etamiphylline in any species. Thermal decomposition of the N-oxide could lead to an increase the detection period of the parent drug during routine GC/MS screening of post-competition greyhound urine samples.

Chromatographic Detection of Trimetoquinol (Inolin�) and its Major Urinary Metabolites in the Horse: A Preliminary Report

Trimetoquinol (TMQ) (1-(3’,4’,5’-trimethoxybenzyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, m.w. 345) is the prototype tetrahydroisoquinoline pharmaceutical. TMQ is marketed as a bronchodilator in human medicine; in horse racing, TMQ is listed as an Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) class 3 foreign substance. As such, TMQ is considered to have the potential to affect racing performance in horses, and a validated qualitative confirmatory method is required to regulate its use in racing. We selected 8 μg kg−1 of TMQ IV as a safe and effective dose for studies on its metabolism and analytical detection in horses. We developed a solid phase extraction method for recovery of TMQ and its metabolites from equine urine, identified suitable high performance liquid chromatographic conditions for these substances and our internal standard, papaverine, and developed a highly sensitive ESI(+)-LC-MS-MS method (estimated LOD, 100 pg mL−1) for TMQ and its major metabolites in equine urine. Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) analysis of unhydrolyzed post-administration urine showed small amounts of unchanged TMQ, along with glucuronide, methylated, and sulfated metabolites, with glucuronide metabolites predominating. Following glucuronidase hydrolysis, recovered parent TMQ peaked at relatively high concentrations (>300 ng mL−1) within 1 h of administration and thereafter declined. The methylated metabolites of TMQ peaked later and at comparable total concentrations, and thereafter declined more slowly. These data suggest that glucuronide hydrolysis of post-administration urine samples will allow recovery of readily identifiable quantities of parent TMQ. These findings, combined with the highly sensitive LC-MS-MS detection of parent TMQ described herein suggest that glucuronide hydrolysis of post-administration urine, followed by LC-MS-MS or other analysis, will allow effective regulatory control of this agent in racing horses.

Detection and identification of carprofen and its in vivo metabolites in greyhound urine by capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Rimadyl ® (carprofen) was administered orally to the racing greyhound at a dose of 2.2 mg kg −1. Following both alkaline and enzymatic hydrolysis, postadministration urine samples were extracted by mixed mode solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges to identify target analyte(s) for forensic screening and confirmatory analysis methods. The acidic isolates were derivatised as trimethylsilyl ethers (TMS) and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Carprofen and five phase I metabolites were identified. Positive ion electron ionisation (EI +) mass spectra of the TMS derivatives of carprofen and its metabolites show a diagnostic base peak at M +⋅ −117 corresponding to the loss of COO–Si–(CH 3) 3 group as a radical. GC–MS with positive ion ammonia chemical ionisation (CI +) of the compounds provided both derivatised molecular mass and some structural information. Deutromethylation-TMS derivatisation was used to distinguish between aromatic and aliphatic oxidations of carprofen. The drug is rapidly absorbed, extensively metabolised and excreted as phase II conjugates in urine. Carprofen, three aromatic hydroxy and a minor N-hydroxy metabolite were detected for up to 48 h. For samples collected between 2 and 8 h after administration, the concentration of total carprofen ranged between 200 and 490 ng ml −1. The major metabolite, α-hydroxycarprofen was detected for over 72 h and therefore can also be used as a marker for the forensic screening of carprofen in greyhound urine.

In vivo biotransformation of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone in the horse revisited: identification of 17-hydroxymethyl metabolites in equine urine by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

The in vivo phase I biotransformation of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone in the horse leads to the formation of a complex mixture of regio- and stereoisomeric C(20)O(2), C(20)O(3) and C(20)O(4) metabolites, excreted in urine as glucuronide and sulphate phase II conjugates. The major pathways of in vivo metabolism are the reduction of the A-ring (di- and tetrahydro), epimerisation at C-17 and oxidations mainly at C-6 and C-16. Some phase I metabolites have been identified previously by positive ion electron ionisation capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/EI + MS) mainly from the characteristic fragmentation patterns of their methyloxime-trimethylsilyl ether (MO-TMS), enol-TMS or TMS ether derivatives. Following oral administration of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone to two castrated thoroughbred male horses, the glucuronic acid conjugates excreted in post-administration urine samples were selectively hydrolysed by E. coli beta-glucuronidase enzymes. Unconjugated metabolites and the steroid aglycones obtained after enzymatic deconjugation were isolated from urine by solid-phase extraction, derivatised as MO-TMS ethers and analysed by GC/EI + MS. In addition to some of the known metabolites previously identified from the characteristic mass spectral fragmentation patterns of 17 alpha-methyl steroids, some isobaric compounds exhibiting a diagnostic loss of 103 mass units from the molecular ions with subsequent losses of trimethylsilanol or methoxy groups and an absence of the classical D-ring fragment ion were detected. From an interpretation of their mass spectra, these compounds were identified as 17-hydroxymethyl metabolites, formed in vivo in the horse by oxidation of the 17-methyl moiety of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone. This study reports on the GC/EI + MS identification of these novel 17-hydroxymethyl C(20)O(3) and C(20)O(4) metabolites of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone excreted in thoroughbred horse urine.

Biotransformation of cyclizine in greyhounds. 1: identification and analysis of cyclizine and some basic metabolites in canine urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

1. The partial in vivo biotransformation of Marezine ® [(cyclizine.HCl); 1-diphenylmethyl-4-methylpiperazine hydrochloride] in the racing greyhound and the excretion of the unconjugated and conjugated (Phase II) basic metabolites of cyclizine in canine urine are reported. 2. Using copolymeric bonded mixed-mode solid-phase extraction cartridges, the basic isolates from both unhydrolysed and enzyme hydrolysed urine samples were isolated, derivatized as trimethylsilyl ethers and analysed by positive-ion electron ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (EI + -GC-MS). Selected samples were analysed by positive-ion methane chemical ionization (CI +) -GC-MS to aid structure elucidation of the putative metabolites. 3. Cyclizine was the major component excreted in post-administration urine. Five substrate-related basic compounds (M1 → M5) were tentatively identified by EI + - and CI + -GC-MS. The major Phase I metabolite was identified as norcyclizine [1-diphenylmethylpiperazine] (M1), the other metabolites (M2 → M5) were tentatively identified as monohydroxylated products based on MS data. 4. Cyclizine and the N 4 -desmethyl metabolite (M1) are excreted unconjugated; the other four hydroxylated metabolites are excreted as Phase II conjugates (glucuronides and/or sulphates). Structures of the putative basic metabolites are presented. At least four other basic metabolites were also detected in post-administration urine, but could not be characterized from GC-MS data. 5. All unhydrolysed post-administration urine samples were analysed by selected ion monitoring EI + -GC-MS to quantify cyclizine and norcyclizine (M1) using authentic cyclizine as the analyte and chlorcyclizine as the internal standard. The level of M1 is expressed as 'cyclizine equivalents'. The duration of urinary elimination of cyclizine and M1 was obtained from their excretion profiles. 6. From these studies, cyclizine and norcyclizine (M1) would be the target compounds of choice in the development of screening and confirmatory methods for the detection of cyclizine administration to racing greyhounds. Information on any of the other metabolites may also be of some value for confirmatory analysis.

Remifentanil in the Horse: Identification and Detection of its Major Urinary Metabolite*

Remifentanil (4-methoxycarbonyl-4-[(1-oxopropyl)phenylamino]-1-piperidinepropionic acid methyl ester) is a mu-opioid receptor agonist with considerable abuse potential in racing horses. The identification of its major equine urinary metabolite, 4-methoxycarbonyl-4-[(1-oxopropyl)phenylamino]-1-piperidinepropionic+ ++ acid, an ester hydrolysis product of remifentanil is reported. Administration of remifentanil HCl (5 mg, intravenous) produced clear-cut locomotor responses, establishing the clinical efficacy of this dose. ELISA analysis of postadministration urine samples readily detected fentanyl equivalents in these samples. Mass spectrometric analysis, using solid-phase extraction and trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatization, showed the urine samples contained parent remifentanil in low concentrations, peaking at 1 h. More significantly, a major peak was identified as representing 4-methoxycarbonyl-4-[(1-oxopropyl)phenylamino]-1-piperidinepropionic+ ++ acid, arising from ester hydrolysis of remifentanil. This metabolite reached its maximal urinary concentrations at 1 h and was present at up to 10-fold greater concentrations than parent remifentanil. Base hydrolysis of remifentanil yielded a carboxylic acid with the same mass spectral characteristics as those of the equine metabolite. In summary, these data indicate that remifentanil administration results in the appearance of readily detectable amounts of 4-methoxycarbonyl-4-[(1-oxopropyl)phenylamino]-1-piperidinepropionic+ ++ acid in urine. On this basis, screening and confirmation tests for this equine urinary metabolite should be optimized for forensic control of remifentanil.

Development of analytical methods for the detection of metaraminol in the horse.

Aramine (metaraminol bitartrate) has been found in the possession of horse trainers and veterinarians who have been investigated for possible inappropriate drug administration to racing horses. Metaraminol (3-hydroxyphenylisopropanolamine) is a sympathomimetic amine that directly and indirectly affects adrenergic receptors, with alpha effects being predominant. Because it has the potential to affect the performance of a racing horse, its use is prohibited. In the present study, methods for the detection of metaraminol were developed. Metaraminol was found to be extracted with poor recovery (< 50%) from aqueous solutions by routine basic extraction or cation exchange/reversed-phase solid-phase extraction techniques. However, an extractive acetylation method gave good (> 90%) recovery of metaraminol from aqueous samples. Sequential urine samples collected from horses administered metaraminol intramuscularly at 0.02, 0.10, and 0.23 mg/kg were extracted by the developed extractive acetylation procedure and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in full-scan and selected ion monitoring modes. Norphenylephrine was used as an internal standard for quantitative analysis. The maximum concentration of metaraminol occurred between 1 and 2 h postadministration. Metaraminol was detected in the 0.23 mg/kg administration urine for 24 h postadministration. Metaraminol was detected for the 0.10 and 0.02 mg/kg doses for approximately 8 h postadministration. No apparent biotransformation products were observed in a reaction mixture of metaraminol and horse liver microsomal reaction mixture. Comparison of gas chromatograms of the extracts of the postadministration urine samples with those of the pre-administration samples failed to reveal any exogenous compound other than metaraminol.

Sodium Cromoglycate in Race Horses: Development of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Screening and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Confirmation Techniques

ABSTRACTDevelopment of a rapid and sensitive ELISA for detection of sodium cromoglycate in equine urine is described. Detection limit of the assays was less than 1 ng/mL. Enzyme conjugate binding to immobilized sheep antibody was inhibited 50% by less than 10 ng/mL. Intraassay and interassay variabilities, as measured by percent coefficient of variation, were less than 9% and 15% respectively. The test was capable of reliably detecting cromoglycate in post administration urine samples for 6 hours following 80 mg nebulized or for 17 hours following an 80 mg intratracheal dose. Background and matrix effects were found to be minimal. The test was very specific—no compound has yet been found to significantly cross react.Investigations into extraction and analysis of cromoglycate using GC/MS are also reported.

Solid-phase extraction techniques for the determination of glycopyrrolate from equine urine by liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry

Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) is a quaternary ammonium salt which serves as a respiratory enhancing drug. It is reportedly used in horse racing to improve breathing. Extraction of glycopyrrolate from equine urine employing unique solid-phase extraction techniques gave a residue suitable for liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry (LC—MS—MS) and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry (GC—MS). LC—MS—MS analysis employed an extract derived from 5 ml of urine subjected to cation-exchange chromatography. The daughter ion of m/z 318 monitored in the positive-ion mode was m/z 116. Recovery of glycopyrrolate was 99.5% and the within-run coefficient of variation of two quality control samples (1.0 and 10 ng/ml) was less than 5%. The between-run coefficient of variation for the same two quality control samples was less than 6.5%. The minimal detectable concentration for the assay was 250 pg/ml. Due to the extremely low concentration of glycopyrrolate in urine, qualitative detection via full-scan GC—MS required XAD-2 extraction of 50 ml of urine, cation-exchange chromatography clean-up and a tandem hydrolysis—derivatization procedure. The target analyte for GC—MS qualitative analysis was the methyl ester of hydrolyzed glycopyrrolate. Glycopyrrolate could be detected in post-administration (1 mg intravenously) urine samples for up to 9 h by both LC—MS—MS and GC—MS. The success of the method was due to a combination of the extreme sensitivity of the LC—MS—MS method and the very selective extraction process for quaternary ammonium salts.

Studies on anabolic steroids: V. Sequential reduction of methandienone and structurally related steroid A-ring substituents in humans: gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric study of the corresponding urinary metabolites

The biotransformation of methandienone (17β-hydroxy-17α-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one) in human adults, more particularly the sequential reduction of its A-ring substituents, was investigated by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. Two pairs of 17-epimeric tetrahydro diols resulting from the stereoselective reduction of the Δ 4- and 3-oxo groups and of the Δ 1-function were characterized. The major diols were 17α-methyl-5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol and 17α-methyl-5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol, which were both excreted in the conjugate fraction in a 1:3.8 ratio. The immediate metabolic precursors of the 5β-diol, namely 17β-hydroxy-17α-methyl-5β-androsta-1-en-3-one and 17α-methyl-5β-androsta-1-en-3α,17β-diol and their corresponding 17-epimers, were also identified in post-administration urine samples. These data indicated that reduction of methandienone A-ring substituents proceeds according to the sequence. Δ 4-, 3-oxo- and Δ 1-. The A-ring reduction products of the structurally related steroids mestanolone, 17α-methyltestosterone and oxymethone were also characterized and provided further analytical and metabolic evidence supporting the proposed route of methandienone A-ring reduction. It was also demonstrated using synthetic 17β-sulfate conjugates of methandienone and 17α-methyltestosterone that their corresponding 17-epimers are formed by nucleophilic substitution by water of the labile sulfate moiety. The steroidal metabolites were identified on the basis of their characteristic mass spectral features and by comparison with authentic reference standards. Metabolic pathways accounting for the occurrence of the metabolites of interest in post-administration urine samples are proposed.