Distribution of radiolabelled [2-14C]IQ and MeIQx in the mouse.

The kinetics of distribution of radiolabelled [2-14C]IQ (2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline) and [2-14C]MeIQx (2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline) following the oral administration to BALB/c mice of single doses were studied. Both compounds were taken up into the blood-stream and other tissues rapidly after administration and approximately 20-25% of the radioactive dose of IQ or MeIQx was excreted in urine over 6 h, reflecting the rapid absorption of the mutagens. Significantly greater levels of MeIQx than IQ were isolated from the lungs and blood of treated mice. In studies of the uptake of IQ from closed sections of the gut, little IQ was absorbed from the stomach. Although there was some evidence that it could be absorbed from the large intestine, the primary site of IQ absorption was the small intestine.