Excretion of a radiolabelled anticancer biodegradable polymeric implant from the rabbit brain.

The elimination of a clinically used anticancer biodegradable polymer implant (Gliadel) in the rabbit brain was studied. The implant is composed of N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea (BCNU) (1.6 wt%) dispersed in a copolyanhydride matrix of 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxypropane) (CPP) and sebacic acid (SA) in a 20:80 molar ratio.

Distribution of the bispyridinium oxime [14C] HI-6 in male and female rats.

Female rats poisoned with multiple LD50s of soman or tabun have been shown previously to respond to the protective effects of HI-6 more positively than male rats. This present study was designed first to determine the distribution pattern and concentration of [14C] HI-6 in rats, and secondly, to determine the possibility that HI-6 might be located in high concentrations in critical tissues in the female as opposed to the male. To these ends, [14C] HI-6 was administered to groups of male and female rats and its radiolabelled distribution determined by whole body autoradiography and/or by measurement of its actual concentration, by scintillation spectrometry.

Quantitative techniques in neuropathology.

In the future, quantitative techniques will probably be used in industry as part of Tier II studies for the evaluation of chemicals and drugs for their neurotoxic potential. Movement towards quantifying some structures or neuropathological changes will be made possible by advances in tissue preparation and computer technology. Emphasis will need to be placed on standardized techniques, good quality samples and sampling techniques in order to produce good quantitative data in a reasonable time.