The distribution of [14C] leucine and 85Sr labeled microspheres from rat incisor root canals

The distribution of [14C] leucine and 85Sr labeled tracer microspheres from rat incisor pulp canals was investigated in an effort to establish the potential for passage of substances from within the root canal to the systemic circulation. Following introduction of the tracer materials into the pulp canals, the radioactivity in the lungs, spleen, kidney, liver, heart, blood, skeletal muscle, adrenal glands, salivary glands, and submandibular lymph nodes was determined. At all of the time intervals studied the incorporation of [14C] leucine into the adrenal gland was significantly greater than the [14C] leucine incorporation into the other organs. High levels of 85Sr labeled microspheres were detected in the ipsilateral submandibular glands and submandibular lymph nodes and in the lungs.