Dose-dependent sulfoconjugation of salicylamide in dogs: effect of sulfate depletion or administration.

The effects of plasma inorganic sulfate concentrations on the dose-dependent kinetics of salicylamide (SAM) were examined in the dog. Decreasing plasma sulfate concentrations from 0.9 mM to less than 0.3 mM significantly decreased clearance of a small dose of SAM (5 mg/kg) to the sulfate conjugate. Infusing sodium sulfate to prevent the decrease in plasma inorganic sulfate concentration that follows a p.o. 20-mg/kg dose of SAM did not increase SAM elimination. However, sodium sulfate given p.o. decreased SAM bioavailability, which suggests a local effect of sulfate on intestinal first-pass metabolism of SAM. These data show some dependence of SAM metabolism on plasma inorganic sulfate concentrations, but only when they are markedly reduced.