Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Palmatine after Single Intramuscular Injection in Partridge Shank Chickens

PMCID: PMC12178312

PMID: 40536902

DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70416

Journal: Veterinary medicine and science

Publication Date: 2025-6-19

Authors: Chen C, A‐ga YB, Kuang X, Li Y, Xiang R, et al.

Key Points

• Palmatine demonstrates rapid absorption and distribution in Partridge Shank chickens following intramuscular administration
• Peak plasma concentration of 0.24 µg/mL achieved at 0.19 hours, with tissue distribution highest in kidneys
• Validated UPLC-UV method offers a sensitive and reproducible approach for quantifying palmatine in biological matrices

Summary

This study developed and validated an ultra-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (UPLC-UV) method to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of palmatine, an isoquinoline alkaloid with potential therapeutic applications, in Partridge Shank chickens. Following a single intramuscular injection of 5 mg/kg, palmatine demonstrated rapid absorption and distribution, with peak plasma concentration (0.24 µg/mL) reached at 0.19 hours and detectable levels persisting for 12 hours.

The research revealed a distinct tissue distribution pattern, with highest concentrations observed in kidneys, followed by liver, spleen, heart, lung, and muscle. The method exhibited excellent sensitivity, linearity, and reproducibility across various biological matrices, with lower limits of quantification ranging from 5-20 ng/mL. The findings provide crucial insights into palmatine's pharmacokinetic behavior in poultry, potentially supporting future applications in veterinary medicine and animal breeding.