Toxicokinetics of ochratoxin A in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops)

Abstract

The toxicokinetics of ochratoxin A were investigated in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). Three female monkeys were treated intravenously with ochratoxin A at doses, respectively, of 0.8, 1.5 and 2 mg/kg body weight (BW). Blood and urine samples were collected over a period of 21 days. Plasma and urine extracts were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with either fluorescence or negative ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection. The clearance of ochratoxin A from plasma followed a two-compartment model. The elimination half-life of ochratoxin A in the monkeys was determined to be 19–21 days and the average total body clearance was 0.22±0.07 ml/h per kg and the average apparent distribution volume of the central compartment was 59±9 ml/kg and the peripheral compartment was 59±20 ml/kg. No evidence was found for any metabolic conversion of ochratoxin A.