The metabolism and disposition of D-penicillamine in the DA-strain rat.

Radiolabelled [35S]-D-penicillamine was administered orally to DA-strain rats. After 72 hours approximately 65% of the dose was excreted with no significant differences between male and female animals. The major urinary product was inorganic sulphate with small amounts of D-penicillamine. Penicillamine disulphide, penicillamine-cysteine, S-methyl penicillamine and N-acetyl penicillamine were also found as metabolites. The female rat excreted significantly less sulphate (P less than 0.1) and more penicillamine disulphide (P less than 0.01) than the male. The residual radioactivity was found in the carcass, with slight concentration in the gut, skin, kidney, bladder and liver.