title: Pharmacokinetics of epirubicin emulsion and solution in rabbits after intrahepato-arterial and intravenous injection.
abstract: The study reports pharmacokinetic findings on the disposition of a formulated emulsion of epirubicin in rabbits as compared to plain epirubicin solution after intrahepato-arterial and intravenous administration. The dose of epirubicin used was 1 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected at several time points up to 6 h after administration. Serum concentrations of epirubicin were measured by liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection. The area under serum concentration-time curve (AUC infinity 0) is smallest after intrahepato injection of epirubicin emulsion. This, together with the highest apparent volume of distribution (Vss) suggest a possible targetting effect. Although the mean residence times are similar, intrahepato injection of emulsion apparently has the largest clearance. Difference in bioavailability in the general circulation between the 2 routes of administration also suggests a certain degree of liver first-pass metabolism of the drug. In view of these findings, further investigation and assessment are worthwhile for future application in human subjects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004655:Emulsions; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005079:Excipients; D005260:Female; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D007269:Injections, Intra-Arterial; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008055:Lipids; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D012996:Solutions
chemical_list: D004655:Emulsions; D005079:Excipients; D008055:Lipids; D012996:Solutions; D015251:Epirubicin