DISPOSITION OF EXOGENOUS TRITIUM-LABELED GM(1)LACTONE IN THE RAT

The disposition of labelled [H-3]GM1lactone, the inner ester of ganglioside GM1, was studied in the rat. After i.v. administration [H-3]GM1lactone was quickly converted to its corresponding open form most likely by plasma esterases, and then displayed a pharmacokinetic profile identical to [H-3]GM1. Following intramuscular administration of [H-3]GM1lactone [H-3]GM1 levels in plasma and in tissues were higher than those obtained after the administration of an equivalent dose of [H-3]GM1. This increased bioavailability means that GM1lactone can be considered as a potential prodrug of GM1.