o- and M-iodohippurate binding to plasma proteins as a model drug transport mechanism

The pharmacokinetics of two isomers, o- and m-iodohippurate, were determined in rabbits and rats and the effect of protein binding on their elimination is demonstrated. Both isomers are rapidly eliminated by transport systems in the kidney and their clearance by the kidney approaches the renal plasma flow regardless of protein binding, m-Iodohippurate is more highly bound to plasma proteins than o-iodohippurate and its rate of elimination is enhanced in comparison with o-iodohippurate. In the case of these two isomers, the binding to plasma proteins should be considered as a transport mechanism and not as a storage depot.