FATE OF [C-14] ARSANILIC ACID IN PIGS AND CHICKENS

Arsanilic acid uniformly labeled with C-14 in the benzene ring was used to determine the metabolic fate of oral arsanilic acid in pigs and chickens. Arsanilic acid was well absorbed in both species, and urine was the predominant route of excretion. The bile was a minor (<5% of the dose) route of excretion in pigs; however, biliary excretion was not measured in roosters. Arsanilic acid, N-acetylarsanilic acid, and (4-acetamidophenyl)dimethylarsine oxide were isolated from pig urine (17-39%, 15-29%, and < 5% of urinary C-14, respectively). Only 25% of the C-14 in pig feces was extractable, and no metabolites could be isolated. Arsanilic acid was the only radioactive compound isolated from urine of colostomized roosters, and there was no suggestion of other metabolites from the isolation scheme employed. No attempt was made to isolate C-14 compounds in feces from colostomized roosters or in excreta from normal roosters.