FATE OF DIMETHYLAMINE IN RAT AND MOUSE

1. [U-C-14]-dimethylamine hydrochloride was administered by gavage (20 mu mol/kg body weight) to adult male Wistar rat and CD1 strain mouse. 2. In both species, urine was the main route of excretion with the ma jority of radiolabel (91%) being voided during the first day. Addition al small amounts of radioactivity were detected in the 24-72 h urine ( 2%), in faeces (2%) and amidst exhaled air (1%), with minor amounts re maining within the carcass (1%) after 3 days. 3. Metabolism was limite d to demethylation, with the majority of the compound (89% dose; 96% u rinary radioactivity) being excreted unchanged.