VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

ABSORPTION AND FATE

• The rate of absorption of inorganic arsenicals from the digestive tract depends on their solubility.
• Soluble salts are more toxic and are absorbed through skin also. Absorption is very rapid from a fresh wound.
• After absorption, arsenicals tend to accumulate in liver.
• After continued administration, there is a tendency for arsenic to be stored in the bones, skin and keratinized tissue such as hair and hoof.
• Arsenic stored in the tissues may be found there for a long time, even after it has disappeared from the faeces and urine.
• Once arsenic is deposited in the keratinized cells of hair, it is irremovable, moving slowly along the hair as the hair grows.
• Arsenic is excreted in urine, faeces, sweat and milk.
• In the body, arsenic is found in association with protein and it is believed that it attaches to the sulphydryl groups of the sulphur containing aminoacids.