DAO 49:39-44 (2002)  -  doi:10.3354/dao049039

ABSTRACT: ¹⁴C-labeled flumequine was administered as a single oral (5 mg kg^-1, 86 µCi kg^-1) or intravenous (5 mg kg^-1, 82 µCi kg^-1) dose to Atlantic salmon Salmo salar held in sea water or in fresh water. The absorption, tissue distribution and elimination were determined by means of liquid scintillation counting and whole-body autoradiography. The drug was rapidly absorbed and extensively distributed in all groups of fish. Radiolabeled compound was present in blood and muscle for more than 8 wk in the freshwater groups. In the seawater groups, however, no radioactivity was detected in the blood and muscle after 4 d and 2 wk, respectively. It was concluded that flumequine was eliminated at a substantially higher rate from Atlantic salmon in sea water than in fresh water.

KEY WORDS: Flumequine · Kinetics · Whole-body autoradiography · Atlantic salmon