Disposition characteristics of the macromolecular prodrug of mitomycin C (MMC), mitomycin C-dextran conjugate (MMC-D), in normal and tumor (VX2 carcinoma)-bearing rabbit thigh muscles were studied using the in situ vascular perfusion technique. Three types of cationic MMC-D (MMC-Dcat) and two types of anionic MMC-D (MMC-Dan) with different carrier molecular weights were used. After bolus arterial injection in normal muscles, 83-96% of injected MMC-D was recovered in the venous outflow regardless of the carrier size or charge, whereas less than 60% of MMC was recovered in the same system. By applying statistical moment analysis to the outflow pattern of these drugs, pharmacokinetic parameters representing their disposition characteristics were obtained. Smaller intrinsic clearance (CLint) and distribution volume (V) were noted for MMC-D than for MMC, indicating low extravascular diffusion of MMC-D. In the tumor-bearing muscle, blood contamination from other parts of the body increased and a shortage of flow recovery due to the neovascularization of the tumors occurred. The disposition parameters of MMC-Dcat with a molecular weight of 500,000 (T-500) indicated some tissue distribution and sequestration in the tumor preparation. After constant infusion of [14C]MMC-D (T-500) for 4 h, tissue radioactivity concentrations were determined in various tissues. A higher radioactivity was observed in the viable region of the tumor and the lymph node compared with the normal muscle tissue and the necrotic region of the tumors. 131I-Labeled human serum albumin also gave similar results. In conclusion, higher tumor localization of antitumor agents may be made possible by the application of macromolecular prodrugs.