Comparative studies on pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the anti‐juvenile hormone precocene II

The cuticular penetration and pharmacokinetics of the anti‐juvenile hormone precocene II were determined in a sensitive species (Oncopeltus fasciatus) and an insensitive species (Heliothis zea). Precocene was sequestered by the fat body and slowly metabolized in Oncopeltus, but rapidly metabolized and excreted in Heliothis. Studies in vitro using inhibitors for cytochrome P‐450 and for cyt P‐450‐NADPH‐reductase, confirmed the anticipated detoxification of precocene by a mixed‐function oxidase via the 3,4‐epoxide. Use of the inhibitors in vivo had no influence on the metabolism of precocene.