L-158,338 is an imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivative that is a potent and highly selective angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Rat liver microsomal metabolism of [C6-3H]L-158,338 gave a major metabolite that was monohydroxylated at the C6 position of the imidazo-pyridine but showed partial retention of the radiolabel. This biotransformation necessitated a shift of the radiolabel from the C6 position to another site within the molecule. We have investigated the mechanism of this biotransformation using 3H-, 3H/14C-, and 2H-labeled L-158,338. Metabolites were identified by FAB/MS, LC/MS, and 1H-NMR. Results of these studies show that the microsomal metabolism of L-158,338 to its C6-monohydroxylated derivative was mediated by a 1,2 hydride shift.