Changes in the metabolism of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (tegafur) to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were examined in the plasma, lung, liver, stomach, small intestine, spleen and kidney in two-thirds partially hepatectomized rats. Concentrations of tegafur and 5-FU in plasma and tissues were determined 30 min after injecting 100 mg/kg of tegafur via the tail vein. The 5-FU concentration in the plasma remained unchanged for the first 7 days after hepatectomy. The tissue level of 5-FU was higher in the liver and kidney than in other organs examined, but there were no changes in levels of 5-FU in each organ examined. Our observations support the proposal that the conversion of tegafur to 5-FU is maintained in partially hepatectomized rats.
Animals Fluorouracil