Effect of fasting on the hydrolysis of salicyluric acid in rabbit intestinal microorganisms.

The effect of fasting on the hydrolysis of salicyluric acid in rabbit intestinal microorganisms was investigated. The blood concentration of salicyluric acid and salicylic acid following oral, intracecal and rectal administration of salicyluric acid was determined. In fasted rabbits (24 and 48 h), the blood concentration of salicylic acid after oral administration was changed compared to the control. However, a significant effect of fasting was not observed in the blood concentration of salicylic acid after rectal administration. Following intracecal administration, the blood concentration of salicylic acid was increased in fasted rabbits compared to the control. From these results, it seems that the slow rate of stomach emptying due to coprophagy during fasting is the principal reason for the change of blood concentration of salicylic acid following oral administration of salicyluric acid.