Inhibition of 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine Metabolism by Disulfiram

1. The effects of disulfiram on the metabolism of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine were studied in CDF rats.

2. Treatment with disulfiram causes enhanced elimination of azomethane in the expired air, inhibition of CO₂ production, and decreased levels of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine metabolites in the urine.

3. These results suggest that disulfiram inhibits the N-oxidation of azomethane to azoxymethane, thus preventing further metabolism to the ultimate carcinogenic species, and provide an explanation for the observations that disulfiram inhibits 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced neoplasia of the large intestine.