Toxicokinetics of ochratoxin A in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops)

The toxicokinetics of ochratoxin A were investigated in vervet monkeys (Cer copithecus aethiops). Three female monkeys were treated intravenously with ochratoxin A at doses, respectively, of 0.8, 1.5 and 2 mg/kg body weight (B W). Blood and urine samples were collected over a period of 21 days. Plasma and urine extracts were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with either fluorescence or negative ion electrospray ionization ma ss spectrometric detection. The clearance of ochratoxin A from plasma follo wed a two-compartment model. The elimination half-life of ochratoxin A in t he monkeys was determined to be 19-21 days and the average total body clear ance was 0.22 +/-0.07 ml/h per ka, and the average apparent distribution vo lume of the central compartment was 59 +/-9 ml/kg and the peripheral compar tment was 59 +/- 20 ml/kg. No evidence was found for any metabolic conversi on of ochratoxin A.