Pharmacokinetics of cadmium following intravenous and oral administration to non-lactating ewes.

Summary — In a preliminary study, ewes received daily oral cadmium chloride administrations and cadmium concenlration was measured in blood and tissues. A pharmacokinelic analysis of cadmium disposition was then carried out in ewes administered cadmium chloride iv and, 21 months later, orally in the same ev/es. Pharmacokinelic parameters were analysed using a 3-compartment open model. The syslemic Availability was 0.15-0.5%, the half-life of elimination was 100-150 d, the blood clearance was 0.12-0.16 I.kg-Vd-1 and the steady-state volume of distribution was 17-35 I/kg. Following iv administration cadmium was found in tissues about 2 years later. cadmium /ewe / kinetics/bioavailability