Benzoic acid conjugation in tuatara

The excretion and metabolism of orally administered [¹⁴C]-labelled benzoic acid (100 mg/kg) was examined in the reptile Sphenedon punctatus (tuatara). The major excreted metabolite was chromatographically and electrophoretically identical with ornithuric acid. Conjugation with glycine or glucuronic acid was not detected. 7–21 percent of the dose was recovered from the urine and faeces, the bulk of the excreted radioactivity being eliminated in the first seven days. Free benzoic acid and conjugates were excreted in the first week but only conjugates could be detected in fauces collected at later intervals. These results are discussed in relation to the taxonomic position of tuatara.