title: Interaction of L-ascorbic acid on the disposition of lead in rats.
abstract: L-Ascorbic acid (As-Ac) has been investigated for its potential in the prophylaxis of lead poisoning. Using rats as the animal model, the pharmacokinetics of As-Ac was determined following a single intravenous dose (100 mg/kg) administered through a jugular vein. Plasma As-Ac levels were monitored using an enzyme assisted UV spectrophotometric method. The pharmacokinetic parameters of As-Ac obtained were used to establish a dosage regimen which could maintain its average plasma concentration of about 11 micrograms/ml at steady state in rats. The disposition of lead acetate (1 mg/kg) in rats was studied in the absence and presence of As-Ac at steady state. Lead concentrations were monitored in femur, kidney, liver and plasma over a 120 hr period using flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In presence of As-Ac, femur, kidney and liver demonstrated 56, 22 and 41% respective reductions in their exposure towards lead. In addition, the half-life of lead in femur and plasma was found to be reduced by 27 and 51% respectively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Dalley
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Hung
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006207:Half-Life; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007854:Lead / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D007854:Lead; D001205:Ascorbic Acid