Lymphatic transport of salicylates in dogs

1. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and salicylic acid (SA) in plasma and lymph following the intravenous or oral administration of a water-soluble preparation of lysine-acetylsalicylic acid to dogs. 2. By both routes of administration, ASA but not SA, tended to be deposited in lymph, as indicated by the ratio between the area under the concentration-time curve constructed for the parent compound and its metabolite in lymph and plasma. 3. A reduced conversion of ASA to SA by esterases in lymph, and lymphatic absorption of ASA following the oral administration might be factors responsible for the accumulation of the compound in the lymphatic system. 4. It is suggested that the lymphatic system might serve as a temporary reservoir compartment for ASA.