Absorption, distribution and elimination of creatinine and urea in hyperthyroid mice

The absorption, distribution and elimination of creatinine and urea, which are considered to pass through the water-filled pores of biological membranes easily, were investigated in hyperthyroid mice to clarify the effects of enhanced blood circulation rate on drug behaviour in the body. The elimination rate constant in hyperthyroid mice was significantly and considerably larger than that in the control in both creatinine and urea (p less than 0.01). This result might be based on the increased urinary excretion rate of these two chemicals in hyperthyroid mice. The result of autoradiographic study indicated that creatinine was distributed more homogeneously in hyperthyroid mice than the control at 30 s and 2 min following intravenous administration. It was probably caused by the enhanced membrane permeability to creatinine due to some physiological changes (e.g. blood flow rate and pressure) or to a change of membrane itself. The gastrointestinal absorption of these two chemicals were also evaluated by the expiratory excretion of 14CO2 following oral administration. The results suggested that creatinine might be absorbed more slowly in hyperthyroid mice than in the control, and that in the case of urea such a difference in absorption might not exist.