Fate of etiproston, a synthetic analogue of PGF2α, in cows

The pharmacokinetics and metabolic fate of labelled compounds were investigated after intramuscular administration of 3H-radiolabelled etiproston to nine cows. Elimination was rapid (t1/2β= 2.8 h). Forty-eight h after administration 92.6% of the radioactivity had been eliminated, mainly via the urinary (66% at 48 h) and faecal routes (26% at 48 h). In comparison, little elimination in milk occurred (less than 0.034% dose/l by 24 h). Radioactivity at the injection site 48 h after administration was seen in one cow (< 4.68 × 10-5% dose/g). No radioactivity was detected in the tissues. Urinary metabolites were purified and isolated using XAD-2 extraction and preparative HPLC in reverse and normal phases. The main urinary metabolite, identified by mass spectrometry, was the tetranor acid derivative in equilibrium with its lactone form.