PET/CT imaging-based quantification of respiratory tract deposition of small- and large-particle aerosols versus intranasal bolus in rodents

PET/CT imaging-based quantification enabled novel characterization of particle deposition in rodents and supports an inverse relationship between aerodynamic particle size and pulmonary deposition. The regional distribution of intranasal bolus administered FDG more closely resembled large-particle aerosols than small-particle aerosols. These findings may aid in understanding the infectivity and pathogenicity of bioaerosols based on particle size and raise concern about substituting intranasal administration for aerosol exposure.