Studies on the whole-body distribution of 14C-trithioparamethoxyphenylpropene in mice

The study was undertaken to map the whole body distribution of trithioparamethoxy-phenylpropene, TPMPP, a substance which is believed to stimulate salivary secretion. Two series of male and pregnant female mice were given 4.3 μCi 14C-TPMPP by gastric intubation. The animals were sacrificed at various intervals, embedded in CMC and frozen. Sections were taken from all levels and wholebody autoradiography performed. Four hours after administration the isotope was located in the intestines, liver, gall bladder, kidney and urinary bladder. High concentrations of the isotope persisted for 12 h with the exception of the kidney which showed decreasing concentrations after 4 h. The isotope was not found in the fetus or placenta. 24 h after administration no activity could be detected in any of the above mentioned organs. If TPMPP plays a role in salivary secretion this must be secondary as it was not found in the salivary glands, or nerve structures. (author)