LAUSR

Abstract The aim of this present study was to explore the sex-related differences in disposition regularities of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), N-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole (N-ac-SMZ) and trimethoprim (TMP) in male and female yellow catfish. Concentrations of target compounds were determined using a reliable HPLC-MS/MS approach, which was validated according to the guidelines defined by FDA. The results showed that there are significant sex-associated differences in SMZ concentrations of muscle with skin and liver, in N-ac-SMZ levels of muscle with skin and kidney, and in TMP concentrations of muscle with skin, liver and kidney. Whereas, no significant sex differences were also observed in SMZ, N-ac-SMZ and TMP levels of plasma, in SMZ concentrations of kidney and in N-ac-SMZ concentrations of liver. Longer residue time of N-ac-SMZ than SMZ was observed in male and female yellow catfish. Withdrawal time (WT) of SMZ (N-ac-SMZ as the marker residue) calculated by the WT 1.4 software, was 11 days (male) and 9 days (female), respectively. By contrast, WT of SMZ (SMZ as the marker residue) was 9 days (male) and 7 days (female), respectively. These results could serve as reference data for establishing disparate use regimen and drug withdrawal time of SMZ and TMP in male and female yellow catfish.