We studied the disposition of bisphenol A (BPA) in pregnant female F344/DuCrj(Fischer) rats and its placental transfer to fetuses after a single oral administration of 1 g/kg BPA dissolved in propylene glycol. BPA in maternal blood, liver, and kidney reached maximal concentrations (14.7, 171, and 36 microg/g) 20 min after the administration and gradually decreased. The levels were 2-5% of the maximum 6 hr after the administration. The maximal concentration of BPA in fetuses (9 microg/g) was also attained 20 min after the administration. BPA levels then gradually reduced in a similar manner to maternal blood. These results suggest that the absorption and distribution of BPA in maternal organs and fetuses are extremely rapid and that the placenta does not act as a barrier to BPA.