Analysis and kinetics of 2,4-dinitrophenol in tissues by capillary gas chromatography--mass spectrometry

Five groups of six ICR mice were orally dosed with 22.5 mg/kg 2,4-dinitrophenol. Groups were sacrificed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h post treatment, and serum, liver, and kidney tissues were collected for analysis of dinitrophenol content. Quantitation was performed via a capillary gas chromatography--mass spectrometry technique after liquid--liquid extraction of biological specimens spiked with a trideuterated dinitrophenol internal standard. Concentration versus time data for each tissue were subjected to pharmacokinetic analysis. Similar two-compartment open models were found to characterize most phases of the disposition of this compound. The kidney appears to maintain a more persistent low concentration of 2,4-dinitrophenol.