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Abstract
Deltamethrin (DLM) is a pyrethroid pesticide. The objective of this study was to characterize the toxicokinetics (TK) of DLM in rats. Serial blood samples were taken from adult rats following oral/i.v. administration. Serial sacrifice was performed on rats in three age groups. Plasma and tissue samples were analyzed for DLM concentration. The time-course data were analyzed to estimate TK parameters. Absorption of DLM was protracted and incomplete. The vehicle influenced the plasma TK profile. Plasma time-courses of different dosages paralleled one another, with TK generally linear over the evaluated range, typically exhibiting a progressive increase, a plateau, and a slow terminal elimination phase. Age was inversely related to the extent of systemic exposure given the same dosage. Brain concentrations were lower than plasma levels. Plasma and tissue profiles showed inconsistency among the age groups. This indicates age-difference of DLM kinetics, which may be important in risk assessments.