This fine white crystal is highly soluble in water and is related to Novocain, procaine, and benzocaine. It is absorbed
rapidly via gill diffusion or by coupling to specific enzyme systems (Summerfelt and Smith 1990). In teleosts, MS-222
is biotransformed in the liver and probably the kidney (Harms and Bakal 1994). The metabolic transformation of tricaine
in elasmobranchs, such as the spiny dogfish, however, appears minimal (Dunn 1990). A stock solution of 10 g/L of
carbon filtered fresh or distilled water may be prepared. This solution may be stored at room temperature in opaque plastic
or brown glass containers. With exposure to sunlight the solution will turn brown.