M. Zhou, M. Donovan
Mar 15, 1996
Citations
0
Influential Citations
21
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
Abstract
Abstract Polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether (laureth-9) has been used in drug formulations for nasal delivery to promote drug absorption and increase bioavailability, especially for compounds with high molecular weights. However, it has also been reported that laureth-9 causes morphological damage to the nasal membranes when it is administered. This morphological change/damage can affect the normal functioning of the nasal epithelium, and readily increases the potential for infection and the absorption of substances through the disrupted epithelial barrier. While previous investigators have studied the mucosal repair rate from various other respiratory tissues, few reports are available regarding the repair rate of the nasal mucosa itself. Laureth-9 was used to chemically induce damage to the nasal mucosa of anesthetized rats. Individual animals were then sacrificed at various times over the following 10 days for morphological examination of the nasal mucosa. Following euthanasia, the tissues of the nasal cavity were decalcified, fixed, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for light microscopic examination. Histological examination of mucosal samples taken 4 h after exposure showed no apparent morphological changes, whereas samples taken 24 and 48 h after administration showed signs of severe damage to the epithelium. Regrowth of the epithelium could be observed beginning on the third day following laureth-9 exposure; there was evidence of basal cell regrowth and differentiation by the fourth day. A completely regenerated epithelium could be observed between the seventh and the tenth days following exposure to the surfactant.