Assessment of the respiratory tract distribution of fluorescein by nebulization in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Most pet rats have chronic respiratory disease, and end-stage complications are frequently fatal. Drug aerosol delivery in the form of nebulization of antibiotics, expectorants and bronchodilators is often used as part of their treatment. As rats are obligate nasal breathers, aerosol delivery must be achieved by nasal inhalation, which has the anatomical limitation of a narrower airway lumen. In humans, aerosol delivery of many respiratory drugs is achieved by oral inhalation as it allows administration of very small particles with a concentration loss of only 20% in comparison with 85% by the nasal route.
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Research Source Type: research