LUNG CLEARANCE OF AEROSOLIZED TC-99M ERYTHROMYCIN LACTOBIONATE IN RABBITS

In order to assess the lung clearance of aerosolized Tc-99m Erythromyc in Lactobionate (EL), Tc-99m EL was administered to 9 New Zealand rabb its by inhalation. 5 rabbits inhaled cigarette smoke before Tc-99m EL. Clearance half times were 3.0 +/- 0.9 hours in normals, 5.5 +/- 1.0 h ours after smoke exposure. Clearance was not affected after destroying the surfactant layer. Slower clearance after smoke exposure may be du e to the inhibition of mucociliary clearance. Tc-99m EL can be conside red as an alternative radioaerosol for ventilation imaging.