Enteric transport of chlordecone (Kepone) in the rat.

Abstract

Disposition of chlordecone (Kepone) in the rat is quantitated. Particular attention is devoted to the role of the intestinal tract in excretion, as well as absorption, of the parent form of the halogenated pesticide. A detailed physiological pharmacokinetic model for the GI tract is presented in which the organs are segmented into a series of well-mixed compartments representing stomach, small intestine, cecum, and large intestine. The model is applied to the early time behavior of data from the following two types of studies in the rat: (1) the movement of a nonabsorbable tracer along the GI tract, and (2) the enteric transport of parent chlordecone. Model parameter values for the gut wall permeability-area products for parent chlordecone determined for the rat are used to estimate the corresponding values for man based on scale-up considerations. The enhancement of excretion rates through use of orally administered adsorbents is discussed.