Aim To develop a method for direct determination of
perfluoropropane in canine whole blood and to study its pharmacokinetics
after a suspension of
perfluoropropane-containing albumin microcapsules was administered intravenously. Methods Perfluoropropane-containing albumin micro￣capsule suspension was administered intravenously to anesthetized canines at the dosage of 0.6 mL·kg -1. Whole blood samples were collected and added directly into the purging glass tube in Tekmar 3000 Purge and Trap Concentrator coupled with a GC-MS for the determination of perfluoropropane. The pharmacokinetic parameters of perfluoropropane were calculated by non-compartment model statistics. Results The linear range was 0.016 8-4.03 mg·L -1. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of perfluoropropane was obtained as follows: mean residence time (MRT) was (63±5) s, T 1/2 was (44±4) s, T max was 30 s, C max was (2.20±0.20) mg·L -1, AUC 0-∞ was (96±11) mg·s·L -1. Conclusion The method is sensitive, specific and simple. It can be used to determine fluorocarbon contained in microcapsule ultrasound contrast agents for studying its pharmacokinetics.