Pharmacokinetics of Photogem using fluorescence monitoring in Wistar rats

In this study we investigated the pharmacokinetics of a hematoporphyrin derivative (Photogem®) in Wistar rats using the fluorescence spectroscopy to evaluate the drug distribution in liver, kidney and skin tissues. The detection system is composed of a 532 nm exciting laser, a Y-type catheter for light delivery and collection, a monochromator and a computer for data acquisition. The analysis of the fluorescence spectra was based on the intensity of porphyrin emission bands from specific tissues of the investigated organ. A simple transport model is proposed to determine the accumulation and elimination times for each type of investigated tissue. The obtained results show the viability of the fluorescence spectroscopic technique for the drug concentration monitoring in different target tissues and related pharmacokinetics. These effects should be considered before any in vivo study of Photodynamic Therapy using Photogem®.