PHARMACOKINETICS OF CADMIUM FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS AND ORAL-ADMINISTRATION TO NONLACTATING EWES

In a preliminary study, ewes received daily oral cadmium chloride admi nistrations and cadmium concentration was measured in blood and tissue s. A pharmacokinetic analysis of cadmium disposition was then carried out in ewes administered cadmium chloride iv and, 21 months later, ora lly in the same ewes. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analysed using a 3-compartment open model. The systemic availability was 0.15-0.5%, th e half-life of elimination was 100-150 d, the blood clearance was 0.12 -0.16 l.kg(-1).d(-1) and the steady-state volume of distribution was 1 7-35 l/kg. Following iv administration cadmium was found in tissues ab out 2 years later.