The fate of prostaglandin A1-5,6-3H in the rat

The plasma concentrations, tissue distribution and excretion of prostaglandin A1 (PGA1) and related metabolites have been determined in rats, following the intravenous injection of a single dose of PGA1-5,6-3H. Urinary and faecal excretion accounted for averages of 25 and 43%, of the administered dose of PGA1, respectively. Oxidative cleavage of the carboxyl side chain of PGA1 appeared to be a major metabolic pathway in the rat. PGA1-5,6-3H was deemed unsuitable for metabolism studies in man, in view of the significant loss of tritium label from the prostaglandin.