ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to review the different aspects of lymphatic drug delivery which have employed macromolecular carrier systems after local parenteral administration. The primary emphasis is on the work carried out at Kyoto University although other literature examples. In order to effectively study the lymphatic transport of drugs after parenteral administration, it is necessary to choose an appropriate experimental system. Generally, the lymphatic transport of a drug is evaluated by measuring the time-dependent concentration changes in lymph after administration. Drug concentration profiles in the lymph nodes can also be used for the evaluation of lymphatic transport after parenteral administration. Lymphatic transport of drugs is often observed after intravenous administration since drugs administered directly into the systemic circulation may transfer to the lymphatic system after distribution to peripheral tissues. Lymphatic transfer after intravenous injection is much less efficient than direct lymphatic transport after administration as a topical injection.
