Studies on the distribution of dianhydrogalactitol into the central nervous system of the rat.

The distribution of dianhydrogalactitol-C14 (DAG-C14) which had been administered to rats as an iv bolus injection was studied in plasma and brain tissue. Analysis of samples was carried out by a high-pressure liquid chromatography method which specifically responds to the parent drug. Samples were monitored by both ultraviolet and liquid scintillation spectrometry. Plasma level measurements indicate that intact DAG has a relatively short half-life in plasma (t1/2= 43.7 minutes) and brain (t1/2 = 50.3 minutes). These findings differ significantly from those studies which have measured total radioactivity when monitoring DAG levels; and should be considered in the design of DAG dose regiments. Data from both brain and plasma were consistent with a classic two-compartment open model.