The properties of
hyaluronic acid used for treatment of acute and chronic
joint disease are known for many years and this compound is widely used both in humans and animals. To obtain a
therapeutic effect of a certain
drug, the appropriate concentration in the target organ or tissue is important. The application of labeled compounds is one of the frequently applied techniques to estimate
drug penetration into the skin and other body tissues or organs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the penetration of
hyaluronic acid labeled with I-131 through the skin and its distribution within the knee joint and other internal organs in rabbits after a topical application of an
ointment containing
hyaluronic acid. The experiment was performed on 22 albino rabbits divided into control and examined groups. Fifteen rabbits were exposed to the multicomponent
ointment containing
hyaluronic acid labeled with I-131. Time of exposure was 48 hours. Hyaluronate penetrated to a high degree into the examined tissues. No significant differences in terms of leg tissue activity were observed between a leg tissue exposed to labeled
ointment and that unexposed, suggesting that after
topical administration, the active component of the
ointment is delivered to the joint via the blood stream. Hyaluronate applied topically penetrates through the skin into the rabbit tissues and organs and into the joint fluid of both legs (exposed and not exposed). This route of administration seems to be useful for this
drug delivery and allows to avoid unnecessary side effects.