Absorption of Protein Through the Conjunctival Mucous Membrane

THERE are many reports of systemic poisoning resulting from the absorption of drugs instilled into the eyes. Symptoms have followed the instillation of cocaine and atropine into the conjunctival sac. It has not always been certain whether such absorption occurred through the mucous membrane of the conjunctiva or through the nasal mucous membrane after the drug had reached the nose by way of the nasolacrimal duct. Macht1ligated or cauterized the nasolacrimal ducts of dogs and was able still to elicit the central actions of morphine and apomorphine after their instillation into the eye. Other drugs studied through their pharmacologic responses in animals2include aconitine, nicotine, potassium cyanide, cocaine, pilocarpine and potassium iodide. There are no reports in the literature on the absorption of protein through the conjunctival mucosa. It is the purpose of this study to demonstrate, by immunologic means, that unaltered protein may be absorbed through