Poly-(D,L-lactic acid) microspheres incorporating histological dyes for intra-pulmonary histopathological investigations.
Polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres incorporating fluorescein as a histological marker have been prepared and used as a model for the testing of inhaled PLA microspheres (2-5 microns) in the lung. PLA microspheres (20 mg) were delivered to rabbits in the form of a saline nebulization. The distribution pattern within the pulmonary system showed that the fluorescein-labelled microspheres were distributed about the four lobes in discrete groups. The comparative numbers of these groups showed a trend towards a reduced concentration in the lower lobes. Subsequent histological examination revealed that the microsphere-treated lungs had been significantly damaged after 24 h. Histological damage was assessed in terms of pulmonary haemorrhage, eosinophilia and neutrophil infiltration.
Armstrong
D J
DJ
Drug Delivery and Pharmaceutical Technology Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
Elliott
P N
PN
Ford
J L
JL
Gadsdon
D
D
McCarthy
G P
GP
Rostron
C
C
Worsley
M D
MD
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000818:Animals; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D008168:Lung / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D008863:Microspheres; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D011817:Rabbits
D004396:Coloring Agents; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)