Sulcular penetration patterns of phenytoin (PHT) and albumin (BSA), in New Zealand white rabbits, were followed through the sulcular lining tissue, overlying gingiva, interposed connective tissue, proximating periosteum and blood over 180 minutes. The time course study revealed that a steady‐state uptake of both molecules from the sulcus into the sulcular lining tissue was reached approximately 60 minutes after local tracer application. It was also found that PHT, after penetrating the sulcular lining tissue, was maintained at higher levels in gingiva than in other adjacent tissues while BSA levels were found highest in periosteum. Kinetic studies of these tissues demonstrated that sulcular tissue had a greater capacity for PHT than BSA and that uptake by this tissue had a capacity‐limited characteristic. The other adjacent tissues and blood also showed capacity‐limited characteristics probably reflecting uptake by the sulcular tissues. BSA degradation or PHT metabolism did not occur in any of these tissues or in serum.