Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in allogynogenetic silver crucian carp, Carassius auratus gibelio

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin (EF) was investigated after single intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration of 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) in 300 healthy allogynogenetic silver crucian carp at 24-26°C. The plasma concentrations of EF and its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CF) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. After i.v. administration, the plasma concentration-time data were described by an open two-compartment model. The elimination half-life (T(1/2β)), area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and total body clearance of EF were 63.5 h, 239.6 μg·h/mL and 0.04 L/h/kg, respectively. Following p.o. administration, the plasma concentration-time data showed a double peak-shaped curve, indicating the possibility of enterohepatic recirculation of EF in allogynogenetic silver crucian carp. The maximum plasma concentration (C(max)), T(1/2β) and AUC of EF were 4.5 μg/mL, 62.7 h and 205.9 μg·h/mL, respectively. Absorption of EF was very good with a bioavailability (F) of 86%, which could be correlated with the unique structure of the alimentary canal in allogynogenetic silver crucian. CF, an active metabolite of EF, was not detected in this study.