Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling of inhaled 2-butoxyethanol in man.
The arterial blood concentration of 2-butoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) was simulated in a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model developed for a 70-kg man. Elimination data (Vmax and Km) were extrapolated from the perfused rat liver, while flows and volumes were from the literature. Simulated inhalation exposure to 2-butoxyethanol at 20 ppm (0.8 mmol/m3) and physical exercise at 50 W agrees well with the results from experimental exposure of human volunteers under identical conditions. In further simulations, the marked effects of physical exercise and co-exposure to ethanol are illustrated. The relatively rapid decay of 2-butoxyethanol in all compartments indicates that the parent compound is not likely to accumulate in the body. Further, linear kinetics may be expected at occupational inhalation exposure to 2-butoxyethanol. The study serves as an example of how a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model may be used to illustrate some aspects of occupational solvent exposure.
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005026:Ethylene Glycols / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008954:Models, Biological; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012997:Solvents / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
D005026:Ethylene Glycols; D012997:Solvents; C017096:n-butoxyethanol