title: Biotransformation of norcocaine to norcocaine nitroxide by rat brain microsomes.
abstract: In the mid 1970's, norcocaine was identified as a metabolite of cocaine in rat brain tissue. We extend these studies by demonstrating that rat brain FAD-containing monooxygenase metabolizes norcocaine to N-hydroxynorcocaine. This hydroxylamine is then further oxidized to the nitroxyl free radical norcocaine nitroxide by rat brain cytochrome P-450. Brain microsomal reduction of norcocaine nitroxide leads to the generation of superoxide. Finally, incubation of rat brain microsomes with either N-hydroxynorcocaine or norcocaine nitroxide leads to significant lipid peroxidation as monitored by spin-trapping techniques.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001711:Biotransformation; D001921:Brain / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D003042:Cocaine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / Q000378:metabolism; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D008861:Microsomes / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: C008671:norcocaine; C036718:8-hydroxynorcocaine; C034955:norcocaine nitroxide; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; D003042:Cocaine