Evaluation of the possibility of using particles of an aerodisperse system for dynamic aerosol scintigraphy of the lungs

As a carrier marker ( 99mTc) for studying the processes of deposition of inhaled substances and their removal from the lungs or mucociliary clearance, which are the leading protective mechanisms of the respiratory organs, albumin macroaggregates are considered as a carrier marker candidate. They are intended for introduction into the respiratory tract by inhalation for dynamic lung scintigraphy. However, its aerodynamic properties, on which the possibility and expediency of such a targeted use depend, have not been studied. To study the aerodynamic properties of albumin macroaggregates and to determine the possibilities of its use in aerosol form for dynamic lung scintigraphy in order to assess the processes of deposition of inhaled substances and mucociliary clearance. An aerosol from a suspension of albumin macroaggregates in distilled water was generated by an ultrasonic inhaler. The dispersion of the generated aerosol was studied by laser spectrometry. The protein content in the initial suspension and dispersible aerosol was determined by the immunochemical method. The shape and morphology of the particles were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The dynamic study of the suspension indicated that its particles are involved in the aerosol generated from the suspension. The dispersion of the latter averaged about 5 μm and did not signifi cantly depend on the concentration of the radiopharmaceutical and did not depend on the studied intensity of dispersion and air fl ow rate in their extreme parameters (minimum/maximum) set using an inhaler. The morphology of albumin macroaggregates particles was characterized by a complex shape and roughness. The aerodynamic characteristics of albumin macroaggregates are not optimal for studying the processes of deposition and mucociliary clearance. However, a fi nal presentation requires a direct assessment of the deposition of the inhaled radioaerosol generated from this preparation. 

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