Pharmacokinetic monitoring in subcutaneous tissue using in vivo capillary ultrafiltration probes

Capillary ultrafiltration probes were utilized for in vivo sampling of therapeutic drugs in awake rats. Capillary ultrafiltration probes implanted into subcutaneous tissue were able to follow the disposition of acetaminophen and theophylline. Ultrafiltration probes provided samples at a rate of 2-3 microL/min. Ultrafiltrates were analyzed by liquid chromatography with either UV or electrochemical detection. Simultaneous ultrafiltration and microdialysis probes and multiple ultrafiltration probes were used in individual animals to validate the technique. The pharmacokinetics of two well-established drugs, acetaminophen and theophylline, were monitored in awake, freely moving rats to demonstrate the viability of the technique. The half-life for acetaminophen was determined to be 20.9 +/- 1.0 min (n = 6) for a 2 mg/kg dosing. The half-life of elimination for theophylline was determined to be 3.0 +/- 0.1 hr (n = 4) for a 4 mg/kg dose. The capillary ultrafiltration probes exhibited a constant flow rate of 2.4 +/- 0.1 microL/min and removed 50 nL/min/mm of fluid from the extracellular space. Capillary ultrafiltration sampling is shown to be an excellent tool for in vivo monitoring of drug disposition and a suitable method for determining pharmacokinetic parameters in awake animals.