Distribution of trimethyltin in various tissues of the male mouse

Trimethyltin (TMT) levels were determined in various tissues of male mice at 1, 2, 4, 6, 10 and 16 h after administration (4.26 mg/kg; i.p.). Peak TMT levels in kidneys, liver, blood, lungs and testes were observed at 1 h following administration. Penetration into the brain, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue was also observed where maximum TMT levels were achieved 6-16 h following administration. 16 h post-treatment, the order of mean tissue concentrations, of the compound was: liver greater than testes greater than kidneys greater than lungs greater than brain greater than skeletal muscle greater than adipose tissue greater than blood. TMT was retained at peak levels in most tissues until, by 16 h, the animals exhibited tremors and convulsions followed by death. The mean concentration of TMT in the brain associated with delayed (central nervous system) (CNS) excitability at 16 h was 1.53 micrograms/g of wet tissue. These results indicate that TMT rapidly distributes and, although water-soluble, persists in tissues following an i.p. administration.