The role of the lymphatic transport in the enteral absorption of naftifine by the rat.

After intestinal absorption of 3H-naftifine by the rat, an appreciable amount of radioactivity is drained via the lymphatics, mainly as parent compound associated almost exclusively with chylomicrons. In contrast, metabolites are mainly transported in the portal blood. Drug transported via the portal route undergoes high extraction and extensive degradation by the liver and is released to the systemic circulation in small quantities only. As is shown from a comparison of animals with intact and with drained lymph flow, the systemic blood level of naftifine is determined to a large extent by drug transported via the lymphatic route.