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The Effect of Size on Uptake of Orally Administered Latex Microparticles in the Small Intestine and Transport to Mesenteric Lymph Nodes

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Abstract

Purpose. The present study examines the relationship between size and particle transit across the mucosal barrier of the gastrointestinal tract to other sites of the body. The extent of particle uptake with increasing size, the tissue distribution and cut-off points for 2–20µm particles is investigated.

Methods. An established fluorescent latex particle-young adult rat model is used and particle numbers in small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes, 0.5 h post administration, counted by fluorescence microscopy in bulk tissue specimens and cryosections.

Results. Bulk tissue analysis provides evidence for the presence of particles of all sizes in the Peyer's patch regions, but only for 2 µm particles in the nodal tissues. Microscopy establishes uptake of both 2 and 6 µm particles in most intestinal and nodal tissue sites and compartments. By contrast, uptake of the larger particles is much reduced.

Conclusions. Although more of the smaller (2 µm) particles are taken up, particularly by epithelial tissues, the 6µm size appears more efficient in terms of volume translocated to lymph nodes. This could have implications in the therapeutic use of particles for drug and vaccine delivery and for radiation safety.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biomedical Science/Anatomy, The Queen's, University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland

    Katharine E. Carr, Rosemary A. Hazzard, Shane Reid & Giséle M. Hodges

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  1. Katharine E. Carr
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  2. Rosemary A. Hazzard
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  3. Shane Reid
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  4. Giséle M. Hodges
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Carr, K.E., Hazzard, R.A., Reid, S. et al. The Effect of Size on Uptake of Orally Administered Latex Microparticles in the Small Intestine and Transport to Mesenteric Lymph Nodes. Pharm Res 13, 1205–1209 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016064320334

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016064320334

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