Stereoselectivity and interaction between the glucuronidation of S-(-)- and R-(+)-propranolol in rat hepatic microsomes pretreated with different inducers

Phase II glucuronidation metabolism of side-chain propranolol was studied using microsomes from rats treated with the inducers beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) or dexamethasone (Dex). The glucuronide concentrations of propranolol enantiomers were assayed by RP-HPLC. The kinetic constants of glucuronidation, Km, Vmax and Clint were determined. There are significant differences between the R- and S-enantiomeric glucuronide in Km, Vmax and Clint P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 in control microsome. There are significant differences in Km and Clint (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001) but no significant differences in Vmax (P > 0.05) between R and S-enantiomeric glucuronide in the microsomes induced with Dex and BNF. The formation of S-(-)-propranolol glucuronide was inhibited by R-(+)-propranolol from the rat microsomes pretreated with BNF and Dex. The glucuronidation metabolism of propranolol enantiomers exhibited the stereoselectivity in rat hepatic microsomes induced with BNF or Dex. Multiple UGT1A and 2B may be involved in stereoselective O-glucuronidation of propranolol enantiomers in rat liver microsomes. The glucuronides produced were in favor of the R-enantiomer. There is an interaction between the glucuronidation of R- and S-enantiomer.