Abstract
We studied transudation of i. v. immunoglobulin preparations in secretions from the normal lungs and salivary gland by measuring anti-tetanus toxoid activity. Time course was studied by serially obtaining alveolar washings, saliva and sera after the administration of commercially available i. v. immunoglobulin preparations, i.e., pepsin digested immunoglobulin (F(ab')2), sulfonized immunoglobulin (whole molecule) and PEG treated immunoglobulin (whole molecule) preparations. We found that the F(ab')2 preparation disappeared from the sera more rapidly, but transudated more efficiently in alveolar washing and saliva than the whole molecule preparations. Since mucous membranes are the site of primary infection, these findings are of particular importance in preventing and treating various infectious diseases in mucous membranes.
