2.3 Uptake, Metabolism, and Excretion
Inhaled propylene oxide is readily absorbed, distributed throughout
the body, and rapidly metabolized. The half-life in the rat has been
estimated to be 40 min. Data are not available on skin absorption.
From in vitro studies, it would appear that propylene oxide is
metabolized by glutathione epoxide transferase to S-(2-hydroxy-
1-propyl)glutathione. It is converted to 1,2-propanediol by epoxide
hydrolase and non-enzymic hydrolysis, but both of these reactions
are slow. The diol can be oxidized to lactic and pyruvic acid.