Plasma and tissue concentrations of coenzyme Q10 in the rat after intravenous, oral and topical administrations.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) distribution into rat liver, heart, kidney and plasma was investigated after intravenous and oral administrations in different vehicles. Moreover, CoQ10 skin levels following topical treatment were evaluated. The liver represented the target organ for this compound in all the cases examined. In the heart, high and persistent CoQ10 concentrations were achieved particularly after solution injection while, following oral treatment, high doses of the drug were needed to reach the same CoQ10 levels. High concentrations of CoQ10 may be achieved also in the skin by topical treatment.