Metabolism of the Chelating Agent Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid (C 14 DTPA) in Man. ∗

Summary

1. Intravenously injected C¹⁴-DTPA in man is quantitatively excreted in urine in 24 hours. 2. Following oral ingestion of C¹⁴DTPA, the major portion of the chelate passes unabsorbed through the intestine (90–100%). However, the presence of the C¹⁴ chelate in urine is evidence for absorption of some, although small, amounts of the chelating agents. 3. The metabolism of DTPA was shown to be similar to that of EDTA.