[Problems relating to the use of radioactively labelled bacteria in animal experiments. 3. Distribution of activities in mice, following parenteral administration of Pasteurella multocida labeled with various radionuclides].

When radioactively labelled fully developed Pasteurella (P.) multocida antigens were parenterally applied to mouse, through intravenous, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous routes, activity distribution was found to depend both the technique of application and the radionuclide used. This has given rise to the conclusion that activity distribution could be equated with whole-germ distribution only under certain conditions. Experimental antigen distribution, accordingly, reflected a complex process in which transport, location, and metabolism of bacteria had to be considered as being in conflict with the given host organism. Iodine labelled 125 was split off bacteria at relatively high rate and accumulated in the thyroid gland. When 59Fe was used, interpretation of distribution was rendered more difficult by propagation of iron through the organs of the host. Relatively favourable data were obtainable from the use of 3H or 14C which could be used in the form of nucleic acid precursors (orotic acid) in labelling Pasteurella. Intraperitoneal and intravenous forms of administration were found to be the same for intra-organic activity distribution. Retention of activity in liver, spleen, and lung was recordable and established from all the reviewed techniques for the application of P. multocida complete antigen. While maximum concentrations were measured between the first and third days, activities still were detectable after 14 days (period under review). Relatively high radioactivity was recordable from the digestive tract, within short time from the use of the parenteral procedures tested. This seemed to suggest passage of complete or incomplete P. multocida antigen through the mucous membranes of the gastro-intestinal tract.