Metabolism and absorption enhancement of methionine enkephalin in human nasal epithelium

The objective of this study was to investigate absorption enhancing approaches for systemic delivery of methionine enkephalin via the nose. Absorption promotion of methionine enkephalin in the presence of protease inhibitors (bestatin, puromycin) and absorption enhancers (glycocholate, dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin) were investigated in human nasal epithelium. Co-administration of the peptide with protease inhibitors and absorption enhancers resulted in a remarkable increase in Met-Enk permeation (4- to 94-fold). The increase was proportional to transepithelial resistance reduction and permeation of paracellular marker dye. Perturbation of the epithelial tight junctions seen in vitro may not occur in vivo due to mucus protection and mucociliary clearance.