THE METABOLISM OF QUININE IN PREGNANT ANIMALS
Abstract
Quinine readily passes the placenta of the rabbit and may be found in the fetus in highest concentration on the 12th day of pregnancy. It is rapidly destroyed on excreted and repeated daily doses show little tendency to accumulate in the fetus or maternal organs. The relatively high concentration in the fetal portion of the placenta suggests that some degree of protection is afforded by this organ.
The rabbit has a remarkable ability to destroy quinine, which is reflected by the very low concentrations found in the tissues shortly after intravenous injection. The stage of pregnancy has a distinct effect on the ability of the rabbit to destroy quinine. At the end of the second trimester, quinine is most rapidly destroyed, but at term there is more quinine stored in the tissues than in a nonpregnant animal.
Footnotes
- Received June 12, 1943.
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