Placental Transport of Zidovudine in Rhesus Monkeys
Author Information
Author(s): Louis E. Ridgway III, Thomas S. King, George I. Henderson, Steven Schenker, Robert S. Schenken
Primary Institution: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Hypothesis
This study was undertaken to characterize the pharmacokinetics of zidovudine (ZDV) and ZDV-glucuronide (ZDVG) in the material and fetal circulations of the rhesus monkey.
Conclusion
Zidovudine and its metabolite ZDVG rapidly cross the placenta to the fetal compartment, with ZDV crossing more rapidly than ZDVG.
Supporting Evidence
- ZDV and ZDVG rapidly cross the placenta to the fetal compartment.
- ZDV crosses more rapidly than ZDVG.
- Some metabolism of ZDV to ZDVG occurs in the fetal compartment.
Takeaway
This study shows that a medicine called zidovudine can quickly move from a mother monkey to her baby monkey through the placenta.
Methodology
Cannulas were placed in the maternal and fetal circulations of 8 pregnant monkeys, and ZDV or ZDVG was administered as intravenous bolus infusions.
Limitations
The study is limited in mechanistic data on the nature of the placental transfer process.
Participant Demographics
Rhesus monkeys (Macacca mulatta) at 120-130 days gestation, weights ranged from 6.4 to 11.8 kg.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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