Valproic acid disposition in rabbits during chronic treatment with Escherichia coli endotoxin

The disposition of valproic acid (VPA) in rabbits was studied after chronic treatment with Escherichia coli endotoxin. Endotoxin (1-2 micrograms/kg) was administered daily to 10 male New Zealand white rabbits for 5 days. On day 5, 50 mg/kg of VPA was given iv during the time of the peak febrile response. Blood samples were drawn at appropriate time intervals and analyzed for free and total VPA levels as well as plasma proteins and free fatty acids. The data were compared with similar control experiments performed 2 weeks before and after endotoxin treatment. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that the changes in free VPA clearance after endotoxin were related to the change in the febrile response during chronic treatment (r = 0.77; p less than 0.05); that is, animals which developed tolerance to the febrile response showed elevated drug clearance, whereas nontolerant animals showed decreased clearance of VPA.