Distribution of 3-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) Orally Administered in Liver, Serum and Fetus in Rats

Abstract

Distribution of free and conjugated 3-tert-butyl 4-hydroxyanisol (BHA) in liver and serum of dams and in the fetus was analyzed by HPLC with electrochemical detection after 0, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight of BHA was administered orally to pregnent rats. BHA was detected in fetus of all BHA-administered rats though its concentration in fetus was much lower than that in liver and serum. The ratio of total BHA (free BHA plus conjugated BHA) to free BHA was approximately constant in liver, serum and fetus irrespective of BHA concentration administered.