Excretion of 14C‐formaldehyde distributed systemically through root canal following pulpectomy

Abstract

Abstract The fate and excretion of 14C‐labeled formaldehyde, when applied as formocresol in the root canals of cat's canines, was examined using a chamber apparatus for the collection of the cat's respiratory CO2. Six cats divided into two groups of three were used. Four μl or 8 μl of formocresol was applied per root canal. Seventy‐two h after formocresol application, the accumulated recovery rate of UGCX represented 21.9% of total dose in the 4 μl group and 35.4% in the 8 μl group. Samples were collected after 72 h from blood and urine, and from lung, liver and kidney tissue, 14C‐radioactivity was selected in all samples. The percentage of the total dose in each organ was very low and there was no significant difference between the 4 μl and 8 μl groups. These results suggested that when formocresol was medicated into the cat's canine canals following pulpectomy, formaldehyde was distributed in the body and rapidly metabolized and excreted.