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THE PERMEABILITY OF THE LINING OF THE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT FOR ANTIBODIES
1Department of Animal Pathology of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, N. J.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
The lower respiratory tract is impermeable to antibodies, making intratracheal serum administration inefficient. In contrast, the peritoneal cavity readily absorbs antibodies into the bloodstream.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Serum proteins and antibodies are crucial for immune responses.
- Intratracheal administration is explored as a potential route for therapeutic agents.
- Previous research suggested the efficacy of laryngotracheal serum administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the permeability of the lower respiratory tract to antibodies.
- To evaluate the efficiency of intratracheal serum administration compared to other routes.
- To compare antibody absorption via the respiratory tract versus the peritoneal cavity.
Main Methods:
- Antibodies were injected intratracheally and intraperitoneally in experimental models.
- Serum protein and antibody absorption were assessed.
- Sensitization and anaphylaxis experiments were conducted to evaluate absorption.
Main Results:
- The lower respiratory tract mucous membranes are impermeable to antibodies and serum proteins.
- Intratracheal administration of antibodies showed minimal absorption into the bloodstream.
- Antibodies injected into the peritoneal cavity were rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Conclusions:
- Intratracheal administration is an inefficient route for delivering antibodies and serum proteins.
- The peritoneal cavity is a highly permeable route for antibody absorption.
- Besredka's assertion regarding the efficiency of laryngotracheal serum administration is not supported by this evidence.
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