Comparative pharmacokinetics of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) in rats, mice, and monkeys

Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) has been found in biological samples in wildlife and humans. The geometric mean half-life of serum elimination of PFOS in humans has been estimated to be 4.8 years (95% Cl, 4.0-5.8). A series of studies was undertaken to establish pharmacokinetic parameters for PFOS in rats, mice, and monkeys after single oral and/or IV administration of K+PFOS. Animals were followed for up to 23 weeks, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by WinNonlin (R) software. Rats and mice appeared to be more effective at eliminating PFOS than monkeys. The serum elimination half-lives in the rodent species were on the order of 1-2 months; whereas, in monkeys, the serum elimination half lives approximated 4 months. Collectively, these studies provide valuable insight for human health risk assessment regarding the potential for accumulation of body burden in humans on repeated exposure to PFOS and PFOS-generating materials. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.