The pharmacokinetics of the plasma substitute oxypolygelatine (OPG) were studied in 12 healthy volunteers after single-dose administration of 27 ml x kg(-1) body weight, with a maximum of 2000 ml. OPG was determined in plasma and urine over 48 h after the infusion. Peak plasma OPG concentrations at the end of the infusion were determined to 4.600 (623) microg x ml(-1), the area under the plasma concentration/time curve (AUC(0-infinity)) was calculated to 70.135 (15.861) microg x h x ml(-1).The model-independently calculated volume of distribution came to 23.1 (4.8) 1 with a clearance total is (Cl(tot)) of 24.6 (6.8) ml x min(-1). The initial half-life according to a three-compartment model came to 0.3 (0.2) h, followed by a distribution half-life of 3.1 (2.6) h and a terminal elimination half-life of 13.4 (2.2) h. Cumulative urinary excretion of OPG was 64% after 48 h.This low recovery rate may be explained by the distribution of OPG into the extravascular space and subsequent degradation in tissue sites.