Fate and Distribution of the Herbicides 2,4-Dichloro-phenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxy-acetic Acid (2,4,5-T) in the Dogfish Shark

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Abstract
1. The urinary and biliary excretion, tissue distribution and metabolism of 14C-labelled 2,4-dichloro- or 2,4,5-trichloro-phenoxyacetic acids (2,4-D or 2,4,5-T) were measured in dogfish sharks, Squalus acanthias. 2. Both herbicides are extensively metabolized (> 90%) to the corresponding taurine conjugates, and are excreted predominantly via the urine, where ca. 70% of the administered dose appears within 4–6 days after treatment. 3. The highest tissue levels of 2,4-D or 2,4,5-T were found in liver and kidney. Penetration of both herbicides into the CNS was restricted. 4. Plasma elimination was rapid and the t0.5 for either phenoxyacetic acid was < 45 min. Similarly, rapid clearance as seen from renal tissue. Final t0.5 values for muscle were about 2–3 days while the major organ showing 2,4-D or 2,4,5-T retention was the liver, where t0.5 values were about 5 days for both the herbicides. 5. The overall pharmacokinetics in the dogfish shark for these herbicides resembled those seen in some mammals.