Ontogenic drug studies in calves. II. Changes in salicylate levels and metabolism in calves with diarrhoea.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was administered by oral route to calves and mice. A comparison of plasma levels of salicylates and salicyluric acid was performed in healthy and diarrhoic calves. The calves were infected with E. coli enterotoxin producing strains. During the 6 h observation period increased levels of salicylates were found in all age groups of calves (1-60 days). There were no significant differences in salicyluric acid plasma levels between controls and diarrhoic animals. Intravenous injection of cholera toxin in mice caused lower levels of total salicylates, but increased levels of salicylic acid and salicyluric acid. The importance of adequate animal model is discussed.