Researchers are always looking for new ways to deliver therapeutic drugs to the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body. Currently, biomedical research teams are using epithelial tissue cultures to investigate a relatively new approach to drug introduction. For some time, science has known that certain compounds are easily absorbed by epithelial membranes and picked up by the blood. For example, patches of material containing drugs that inhibit motion sickness have been used by tourists on cruises. Smokers, trying to stop the nicotine withdrawal commonly associated with quitting smoking, have used nicotine patches. Patients with heart disease or burns often receive therapy by means of similar patches. Today, however, researchers are looking for wider and more varied uses of epithelial absorption as a drug delivery method.
1. a) Based on what you know of the different epithelial tissue types, which are the best candidates for this type of therapy? Explain your choices.
b) How could a clinician actually apply epithelial absorption techniques? Try to think of strategies other that the skin-patch approach.
c) Explain some of the harmful side effects of smoking tobacco, cocaine, and marijuana in terms of epithelial absorption.
Researchers are always looking for new ways to deliver therapeutic drugs to the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body. Currently, biomedical research teams are using epithelial tissue cultures to investigate a relatively new approach to drug introduction. For some time, science has known that certain compounds are easily absorbed by epithelial membranes and picked up by the blood. For example, patches of material containing drugs that inhibit motion sickness have been used by tourists on cruises. Smokers, trying to stop the nicotine withdrawal commonly associated with quitting smoking, have used nicotine patches. Patients with heart disease or burns often receive therapy by means of similar patches. Today, however, researchers are looking for wider and more varied uses of epithelial absorption as a drug delivery method.
1. a) Based on what you know of the different epithelial tissue types, which are the best candidates for this type of therapy? Explain your choices.
b) How could a clinician actually apply epithelial absorption techniques? Try to think of strategies other that the skin-patch approach.
c) Explain some of the harmful side effects of smoking tobacco, cocaine, and marijuana in terms of epithelial absorption.
