The body distribution and biological action of xenobiotics

The authors explored the tissue and intracellular distribution in the body of xenobiotics (aniline-1-14C hydroclorate, dioxane-1,4-14C, toluol-1-14C, phenol-1-14C and 1,2-14C ethylene glycol) following their administration in single doses to white rats. The distribution of the tested substances in the body was correlated with their toxic effects. An analysis of distribution coefficients revealed a multifactorial nature of the distribution in the body of xenobiotics--environmental pollutants. A key role in the distribution of xenobiotics in the body is attributed to histohematic barriers which provide for the selective accumulation of xenobiotics in tissues by utilizing existing modes of active and passive membrane transport. The polytropic nature of the biological effects typical of most chemical environmental pollutants is accounted for by their multireceptor interactions in the body as well as by membrane damage resulting in the distortion of genetic information and, consequently, disorganization of metabolic processes.