Absorption, distribution and excretion of a dihydroxydibutyl ether labelled with 14C in animals

Kinetic studies were performed in rats, dogs and monkeys after oral administration of 14C-labelled dihydroxy-dibutyl ether (DHBE; Discinil), a known choleretic agent. The data presented indicate that the compound was intirely and readily absorbed and that it was excreted mainly with the urine in all the three species. The complete distribution pattern was investigated in rats. In most tissues high levels of radioactivity were already present after 10 min and the peak concentration was reached within the first 30 min. The decay was rapid and at the fourth hour only traces of radioactivity could be still detected in the tissues. Liver and kidney were the target organs for the radioactive material (which is in accordance with the activity and the excretory route of DHBE). The blood levels paralleled the general tissue distribution. The excretion of radioactivity was completed within 24 h in the three animal species and it took place by the urinary route, mainly witin the first 7--8 h.