Investigations on the biotransformation of mebendazole using an isolated perfused rat gut system.

1. The intestinal metabolism of the benzimidazole, mebendazole (MEB), has been investigated using isolated perfused jejunal segments of rats. Significant absorption and intestinal metabolism of the substance was observed. 2. The metabolites, the reduced alpha-hydroxy-analogue, its glucuronide, and the decarbamoylated 2-amino-analogue, were transported into the resorbate collected at the serosal side or were resecreted into the gut lumen. 3. The intestinal decarbamoylation of mebendazole increased up to 20-fold after pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene (MC), and complete re-secretion of this metabolite into the gut lumen led to a total loss of the absorption of mebendazole and metabolites across the gut wall. 4. The results indicate the ability of the gut to metabolize mebendazole by phase I and II reactions. 5. An almost complete loss of bioavailability after induction of the gut enzyme system by MC was observed.