Kinetics of intravenously administered vitamin E in sheep and its biliary excretion

This report describes studies of vitamin E kinetics and biliary excretions of vitamin E in 7 sheep administered [3H]-d-alpha-tocopherol (2 microCi/kg body weight) intravenously. Blood samples were periodically withdrawn from the jugular vein and bile samples from a biliary fistula for 56 h after intravenous administration of the [3H]-d-alpha-tocopherol. The kinetic data were modelled as 2-exchanging compartments. Radiovitamin E was rapidly distributed into the peripheral compartment and was widely distributed throughout the body. A high level of radioactivity was recorded in the lung, liver, spleen and renals. The concentrations of d-alpha-tocopherol in bile and plasma did not run parallel. The pattern of biliary radioactivity concentration suggests a rapid biliary clearance.