Pharmacokinetics of cadmium following intravenous and oral administration to non-lactating ewes.

In a preliminary study, ewes received daily oral cadmium chloride administrations and cadmium concentration was measured in blood and tissues. A pharmacokinetic analysis of cadmium disposition was then carried out in ewes administered cadmium chloride iv and, 21 months later, orally in the same ewes. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analysed using a 3-compartment open model. The systemic availability was 0.15-0.5%, the half-life of elimination was 100-150 d, the blood clearance was 0.12-0.16 l.kg-1.d-1 and the steady-state volume of distribution was 17-35 l/kg. Following iv administration cadmium was found in tissues about 2 years later.