Journal Published Online: 01 May 1995
Volume 40, Issue 3

Postmortem Drug Metabolism by Bacteria

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to determine the possible role of enteric bacteria in the postmortem bioconversion of the nitrobenzodiazepines flunitrazepam, clonazepam, and nitrazepam. Flunitrazepam, clonazepam, and nitrazepam were completely metabolized in blood in the presence of eight species of enteric bacteria to their respective 7-amino-metabolites. The rates of metabolism, at 37°C, ranged from 0.1 ng/mL/min for Streptococcus faecalis to 8.8 ng/mL/min for Clostridium perfringens. The rate of conversion was reduced to 87% by a combination of 0.7% (w/v) sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, and almost completely inhibited (96%) by 1% (w/v) sodium fluoride. pH had variable effects on the rate of metabolic bioconversion of nitrobenzodiazepines, while increasing temperatures were found to generally increase the rate of nitrobenzodiazepine bioconversion. These data support the proposal that bacteria may mediate postmortem bioconversion of the nitrobenzodiazepines.

Author Information

Robertson, MD
Victorian Institute of Forensic Pathology and Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, South Melbourne, Australia
Drummer, OH
Victorian Institute of Forensic Pathology and Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, South Melbourne, Australia
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13791J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13791J