Acute poisoning with pine oil ? metabolism of monoterpenes ?

Abstract

A patient attempting suicide ingested 400-500 ml pine oil and was admitted to the clinic. Since more than the lethal dose had been ingested hemoperfusions with activated charcoal and amberlite and a hemodialysis were performed. The composition of the ingested pine oil was determined by gaschromatography/mass spectrometry. Four monoterpenes were identified: 57% alpha-pinene, 8% beta-pinene, 26% carene, 6% limonene and 3% other hydrocarbons. The blood and urine monoterpene concentrations were continuously monitored. The data suggest that monoterpenes are poorly resorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The resorbed portion of the hydrocarbons cumulates in the lipophilic body compartments and is slowly metabolized and then excreted by the kidneys. The main metabolic pathways are hydratation, hydroxylation, rearrangement, and acetylation. Five metabolites were identified.

Percutaneous Permeation Enhancement by Terpenes: Mechanistic View

“…However, it is not certain that these dispositional characteristics can be extrapolated to humans, particular in view of the relatively large doses administered to animals. Terpene concentration might affect the type of metabolite formed (98,99).…”

“…There have been several studies of (R)-(+)-and (S)-(−)-pulegone metabolism in rats (99)(100)(101)(102)(103), ex vivo experiments with rat liver microsomes (104)(105)(106)(107) and human cytochrome P450 enzymes (108). Engel identified 2-(2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-5-methylcyclohexanone (8-hydroxymenthone), 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-6-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanone (1-hydroxymenthone), 3-methyl-6-(1-ethylethyl)cyclohexanol (menthol), and E-2-(2-hydroxy-1-methylethylidene)-5-methylcyclohexanone (10-hydroxypulegone) as the four major metabolites of pulegone.…”

Survival and causes of mortality for pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) in Oregon and Nevada

“…The potential risks of PSMs include reduced intake (Boyle and McLean 2004, Marsh et al 2005, Sorensen et al 2005, Shipley et al 2006, which can result in death (Reichardt et al 1984) as well as numerous post-ingestive consequences such as direct toxicity to cells (Koppel et al 1981, Forbey et al 2011, Kohl et al 2015, reduced digestibility and uptake of nutrients (DeGabriel et al 2009, Au et al 2013, Kohl et al 2015, and increased energetic costs associated with detoxification (Sorensen et al 2005). Moreover, concentrations of PSMs can pose large-scale constraints to herbivores by influencing habitat selection (Karban and Agrawal 2002, Moore et al 2005, Frye et al 2013, Ulappa et al 2014.…”

Uptake, distribution and elimination of alpha-pinene in man after exposure by inhalation.

“…In rat, terpenes accumulate in peripheral fat, kidneys, and brain (7,8). Slow renal elimination was observed in an acutely poisoned patient (9). Terpenes may irritate the skin and mucous membranes (I, 5), and prolonged exposure may result in allergic contact dermatitis (10,11)or chronic lung function impairment (2, 3,12).…”