Biliary excretion of cobalt in rats.

The excretion of 58Co2+ via bile, urine and intestinal wall after intravenous administration of 58CoCl2 in two doses (177 and 1770 micrograms of Co2+ per kg B. Wt.) was studied in rats. The cumulative biliary excretion reached 24 hours after administration of lower dose 2.67 +/- 1.98% and higher dose 7.33 (4.6-10.9) % of the amount given. The highest excretion rate of 58Co was detected between 10 and 30 minutes after administration. After administration of higher dose of 58Co the lower urinary excretion was observed [73.6 +/- 4.0% resp. 47.9% (45.5-52.5)] of the amount given. There were no differences between both doses studied in the excretion of 58Co via the wall of gastrointestinal tract.