Table 3

Pharmacokinetic parameters for elimination of DCA from rat plasma after one or two oral doses of DCA (50 mg/kg)

ParameterOne Dose (N= 4)Two Doses (N = 5)Two Doses, Large Rats (N = 4)
Body weight (g)232  ± 12224  ± 13617  ± 45
AUC (mg · hr/liter)11.72  ± 1.68240.8  ± 75.43-a 1509  ± 2483-b
Volume of distribution (liters/kg)0.68  ± 0.070.39  ± 0.140.14  ± 0.02
Absorption half-life (hr)0.37  ± 0.031.45  ± 0.641.30  ± 0.69
α-Phase half-life (hr)ND3-c 0.16  ± 0.040.22  ± 0.05
Elimination half-life (hr)0.11  ± 0.025.38  ± 0.763-a 9.72  ± 0.973-b
Time ofC max 3-d (hr)0.27  ± 0.041.13  ± 0.462.09  ± 0.96
C max (μg of DCA/ml)10.19  ± 1.8727.22  ± 5.543-a 121.2  ± 20.43-b

  • Values shown are mean ± SE (N = 4 or 5) for each parameter.

  • ↵3-a Significantly different from singly dosed rats (p < 0.02).

  • ↵3-b Significantly different from young adult rats (p < 0.01).

  • ↵3-c ND, too rapid to estimate.

  • ↵3-d Cmax, maximal plasma concentration.