[Distribution of labeled octadecane and its metabolites in rat organs and tissues in chronic peroral administration]

Chronic experiments were made to study cumulation and metabolism of 114C-octadecane in rat organs and tissues. A progressive utilization of the indicator by the animals' body was disclosed, the highest content of the label being found in the adipose tissue and adrenals. Octadecane does not excrete with the urine. The latter's activity is determined by the metabolites of the hydrocarbon under consideration. On the basis of the differences between the total radioactivity of the test organs and tissues and the content of labeled octadecane, as well as from the activity of exhaled CO2, it is concluded that n-alkane metabolizes in the rat body to the final products of metabolism. However, in consequence of retardation and low rate of biotransformation one can see octadecane cumulation in the rat body. Both octadecane and its metabolites are characterized by high affinity for adipose tissue.