Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Residence of Various Doses of Levamisole in Crucian Carp at Different Water Temperatures

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics of levamisole in crucian carp, including the absorption, distribution, and clearance rates in different tissues, were studied at different temperatures and doses for the theoretical basis of proper usage and withdrawal time. The fish were divided into three groups denoted A, B and C. The A and B groups were treated once at a dosage of 5 mg/kg levamisole, at 19 ± 1°C and 26 ± 1°C water temperature, respectively. The C group was treated at a dosage of 20 mg/kg levamisole at 19 ± 1°C water temperature. Then plasma, muscle, hepatopancreas, and kidney tissues samples were collected and pretreated, then measured using an ultra performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet method. Plasma data were analyzed using DAS 3.0 pharmacokinetics software. Total area under the curve (AUC0-t) and elimination half-life (t1/2z) had a negative correlation with water temperature, and a positive correlation with dosage. Apparent volume of distribution (Vz) and total clearance rate (CLz) was positively correlated with temperature, and a negatively correlated with dosage. Levamisole was absorbed quickly to reach its peak concentration. The drug concentration and residence time in hepatopancreal and kidney were considerably higher and longer respectively than in the muscle and plasma suggesting that the hepatopancreas and kidney may be important metabolic organs for levamisole.