The Metabolic Fate of Adjuvant Mineral Oil Emulsion Using Carbon-14 Labeled Tracers

摘要

Research is presented on whether the rate of mobilization and degree of metabolism of an injected mineral oil - surfactant emulsion could be correlated to the adverse local cellular effects often observed when this emulsion is used in vaccine and allergen preparations. Animals were injected either subcutaneously or intramuscularly with an emulsion made with Drakeol 6-VR and Arlacel A containing Carbon-14 tracers. The results of this investigation show that the Arlacel A (the emulsifier) is removed from the site of injection at a much faster rate (40 to 50% the first week after injection) than mineral oil, of which only 2-15% is removed one week after injection. There does not appear to be any excessive accumulation of any of the emulsion components in the major organs. Gross necropsy revealed no pathological states (sterile abscesses, infections, etc.) which could be attributed to the injected emulsion either at the site of injection or in various organs.