Application of an UHPLC-MS/MS method to tissue distribution and excretion study of 2-(2-hydroxypropanamido) benzoic acid in rats

2-(2-Hydroxypropanamido) benzoic acid (HPABA) is a potential anti-inflammatory agent isolated from the marine fungus Penicillium chrysogenum. In vivo tissue distribution and excretion of HPABA were unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to establish an UHPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of HPABA and proceed to apply for the study of tissue distribution and excretion in rats. The results obtained indicated that HPABA in tissues was rapidly distributed and cleared. The highest level was found in intestine and stomach, followed by kidney, liver, lung and heart. These observations showed that HPABA was well distributed into abundant blood-supply tissues, suggesting that the blood flow or perfusion rate of organs plays a major role. A small amount of HPABA was detected in brain indicated that the ability of it in crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB) was very weak in rats. Excretion studies demonstrated that HPABA was mainly excreted by kidney. The total cumulative excretion of HPABA were 54.3% and 44.1% in male and female rats, respectively. In addition, gender-related differences in the excretion and distribution profile of HPABA were observed in rats.