Tissue distribution of tetraethylammonium (TEA) in dogs and goats

The tissue distribution of tetraethylammonium (TEA), a highly polar drug which does not undergo biotransformation, was studied in intact and nephrectomized dogs and goats. Values for β, the overall elimination rate constant, were significantly reduced by nephrectomy but species differences were not significant. Values for apparent specific volume of distribution (V'_d) were unexpectedly large and tissue to plasma ratios were 4.0 and 5.0 in the nephrectomized goat and dog, respectively. The distribution of TEA to various tissues followed closely the expected pattern of regional blood flow, although TEA attained concentrations in liver, heart, lungs and viscera in excess of the concentration in the plasma.