A method for the in vitro study of drug transfer across ruminal epithelium

Abstract

A simple method for the in vitro study of drug diffusion across ruminal epithelium is described. The characteristics of the isolated membrane were defined by studies of ketone production from butyrate, histological studies, phenolsulphonthalein penetration and permeability to pentobarbital, antipyrine and tetraethylammonium. The preparation was found to be suitable for studies of less than 12 hours duration; after that time the integrity of the membrane as a barrier was lost due to degenerative changes. The method had a primary advantage in that experimental variables could be rigorously controlled.