[Absorption and distribution of 5-aminosalicylic acid from its chitosan capsule degraded by colon bacteria-released enzymes in rats].

OBJECTIVE

To examine the absorption and distribution of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in rat colon after oral administration of its chitosan capsule.

METHODS

5-ASA in chitosan capsules (4.8 mg per 3 capsules) were administered orally in rats via a polyethylene cannula under light ether anesthesia. The rats in control group were given 1 ml 5-ASA carboxymethyl cellulose suspension (4.8 mg). Blood samples were obtained from the rat hearts and the colon tissues sampled at a given interval to measure the concentration of 5-ASA by HPLC.

RESULTS

The area under the curve (AUC(0-12)) in the serum samples of chitosan capsule group was 0.62 times that of the control group, while in the colon tissue, the AUC(0-12) of chitosan capsule group was as much as 3.62 times that of the control group.

CONCLUSION

The chitosan capsule may be a useful carrier of 5-ASA for colon-specific delivery.