No abstract

The pharmacokinetics of diphenhydramine (DPHM) was compared in camels (n = 8) and horses (n = 6) following intravenous (i.v.) administration of a dose of 0.625 mg/kg body weight. In addition, the metabolism and urinary detection time of DPHM was evaluated in camels. The data obtained (median and range in brackets) in camels and horses, respectively, were as follows. The terminal elimination half lives (h) were 1.58 (1.13-2.58) and 6.11 (4.80-14.1), and the total body clearances (L/h per kg) were 1.42 (1.13-1.74) and 0.79 (0.66-0.90). The volumes of distribution at steady state (L/kg) were 2.38 (1.58-4.43) and 5.98 (4.60-8.31) and the volumes of the central compartment of the two compartment pharmacokinetic model were 1.58 (0.80-2.54) and 2.48 (1.79-3.17). All the pharmacokinetic parameters in camels were significantly different from those of horses. Five metabolites of DPHM were tentatively identified in the camel's urine. Two metabolites, diphenylmethoxyacetic acid and 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-phenylmethoxyacetic acid, were present in the acid fraction. Two metabolites, desamino-DPHM and diphenylmethanol, were identified in the basic fraction, in addition to DPHM itself, which was present mainly as a conjugate. Even after enzymatic hydrolysis, DPHM could be detected for up to 24 h in camels after an i.v. dose of 0.625 mg/kg body weight.

One of the most potent carcinogens is 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (7,12-DMBA), which is used routinely to conduct studies to evaluate carcinogen inhibitors. Its pharmacokinetics have not been reported in the literature. In view of its significant effects on drug metabolizing enzymes and clearance mechanisms, it is important to know its disposition characteristics. In this study, we monitored the disposition characteristics of 7,12-DMBA in rats as a function of dose range commonly used in carcinogenesis studies. A mean residence time of 40-55 min was observed; the total body clearance ranged from 8-13 l kg-1. No effect of dose was observed on the pharmacokinetic parameters. This suggests that the dose-dependent effects of 7,12-DMBA carcinogenesis are related to its transient disposition characteristics.