The kinetic profile of oxolinic acid in sharpsnout sea bream, Diplodus puntazzo (Cetti 1777)

The pharmacokinetics of oxolinic acid (OA) were investigated after a single intra-vascular injection (20 mg kg^-1 fish) in sharpsnout sea bream (90 g), a promising new euryhaline species for Mediterranean fish farming. The distribution half-life (t1/2(alpha)) and the elimination half-life (t1/2(beta)) of OA were calculated to be 0.4 and 10 h respectively. The apparent volume of distribution at steady-state (Vd(ss)) and total clearance rate (CLT) of the drug were found to be 2.1 L kg and 0.2 L kg^-1 h-1 respectively. The bioavailability (F%) of OA following oral administration (40 mg kg^-1 fish) was estimated to be 15%. The results indicate a rapid distribution and elimination of the drug, moderate tissue penetration, but low absorption in sharpsnout sea bream. The kinetic profile of OA found in this species is comparable with that observed in another well-known sparid, gilthead sea bream.