THE PHARMACOKINETICS OF OCHRATOXIN A IN RATS

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Abstract
The absorption and tissue distribution of ochratoxin A [from Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium viridicatum (OCT A) following a single oral dose of OCT A were investigated in adult, male Wistar rats. In experiments concerning excretory patterns of OCT A, 14C-OCT A was used. A relatively large amount of OCT A was found in the circulating blood 48 h after dosing. The patterns of absorption, tissue distribution and excretion of OCT A were affected by acute catarrhal enteritis produced by OCT A and/or ochratoxin .alpha. (OCT .alpha.). Quantitative data show that OCT A is distributed mostly in the kidney and this finding is closely associated with the tissue specificity of OCT A-induced nephrotoxicity. OCT A was hydrolyzed to its major metabolite, OCT .alpha. by addition of the homogenate of pancreas, duodenum and ileum. Approximately 56% of OCT A administered was excreted in both urine and feces as the unchanged toxin and OCT .alpha. during 120 h following dosing. A relatively larger amount of OCT .alpha. was detected as compared with that of OCT A.