Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin via Sterically Stabilized Immunoliposomes: Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution in Tumor-bearing Mice

Purpose. To evaluate benefits in tumor localization, availability, and noncancerous organ distribution of doxorubicin (DOX) delivered via small (120 nm) sterically stabilized immunoliposomes targeted against a tumor-associated antigen in fibrosarcoma-bearing mice. Methods. DOX-loaded liposomes were prepared with (i) specific monoclonal IgG₃ antibody (32/2, D-SSIL-32/2); (ii) non-specific IgG₃ (D-SSIL-IgG); or (iii) no IgG (D-SSL) on their surface. Equal DOX amounts were injected intravenously via each type of liposome into BALB/c mice carrying experimental lung metastases of a polyoma virus-induced fibrosarcoma (A9 etc 220) expressing a polyoma virus-induced tumor-associated antigen (PAA) on their surface. Metastases occurred mainly in lung. Mice were treated at 3 stages of tumor development (micrometastases, medium-size metastases, and large, necrotic metastases). Performance evaluation was based on time-dependent quantification of DOX and DOX metabolites (DOX-M) in lung tumor, noncancerous organs, and plasma. Results. (i) DOX delivered via both SSIL retained the prolonged circulation time typical of DOX delivered via D-SSL. (ii) DOX accumulation in noncancerous organs was similar for all preparations. Low levels of DOX-M were obtained for all three preparations in all organs except liver, suggesting a similar processing, (iii) Preparations differed in behavior in lung tumor depending on tumor size and microanatomy. Only at the micrometastases stage were the specifically targeted D-SSIL-32/2 superior to D-SSL and D-SSIL-IgG, delivering 2–4 times more drug into the tumor, (iv) DOX-M level in all three tumor stages was in the following order: D-SSIL-32/2 >> D-SSL >> D-SSIL-IgG, suggesting that DOX delivered as D-SSIL-32/2 is most available to tumor cells. Conclusions. The advantage of specific targeting of sterically stabilized liposomes is expressed mainly in increasing availability of DOX to tumor cells in a way which is dependent on tumor microanatomy. The impact of this advantage to therapeutic efficacy remains to be determined.     

Fc-Receptor-mediated Targeting of Antibody-bearing Liposomes Containing Dideoxycytidine Triphosphate to Human Monocyte/Macrophages

Abstract— Liposomes bearing surface-attached antibody (L-Ab) molecules can be used for various purposes including the immunospecific delivery of drugs or other materials to antigenic target cells. In this study, L-Ab were prepared to deliver an anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug, dideoxycytidine triphosphate (ddCTP) to human monocyte/macrophages. Cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage are an important reservoir of HIV-1. A mouse monoclonal antibody IgG_2a was labelled with ¹²⁵I and modified using N succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate (SPDP) as a heterobifunctional reagent in order to conjugate with liposomes to produce a covalent bond (thioether). SPDP-modified antibody was incubated with liposomes containing 5 mol% of maleimido phenyl butyrate phosphatidylethanolamine (MPB-PE) at room temperature (21°C) for 24 h. L-Ab were separated from free and aggregated antibodies by centrifugation. L-Ab were characterized by measuring particle size and binding to anti-mouse IgG-sepharose. Ninety five per cent of the liposomal (L-Ab) lipid label was bound to anti-mouse IgG-sepharose, whereas only 7% of plain liposomes were bound, indicating non-specific binding. Uptake of L-Ab was measured in human monocyte/macrophages as a function of time and compared with that of plain liposomes. The uptake increased with time and it was 4–6 times greater than that of plain liposomes although part of that effect may have been due to unreacted MPB groups.     

Immunotargeting of Liposomes Containing Lipophilic Antitumor Prodrugs

Potential therapeutic applications of recently developed liposomes with a reduced affinity to the reticuloendothelial systems and a prolonged circulation time as targeting systems for lipophilic prodrugs were examined. In these studies, liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol, additionally containing monosialoganglioside (G_M1) or polyethylene glycol conjugated to phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (PEG-PE), were used. Three antitumor lipophilic prodrugs, N-trifluoroacetyl-adriamycin-14-valerate (AD32), araC-diphosphate-diglyceride (araCdPdG), and 3,5-o-dipalmitoyl-5-fluoro-2-deoxyuridine (dpFUdR), were used to examine the effect of lipophilic prodrug incorporation into long-circulating liposomes and immunoliposomes on their biodistribution in mouse. Biodistribution studies with antibody-free liposomes containing lipophilic prodrugs showed that the activities of G_M1 or PEG2000-PE in prolonging the circulation time of liposomes appeared to be preserved in the presence of each of the three lipophilic prodrugs at a drug/lipid molar ratio of 3:97. The effect of lipophilic prodrug incorporation on target binding of immunoliposomes was then examined using a mouse model. Incorporation of AD32 or dpFUdR into immunoliposomes, directed to the normal endothelium, did not affect the targetability of immunoliposomes, suggesting a potential effectiveness of these lipophilic prodrug-containing immunoliposomes in therapy for lung tumors. On the contrary, incorporation of araCdPdG resulted in significantly reduced target binding of immunoliposomes by yet unknown mechanism(s).     

Physicochemical Properties of Liposomes Affecting Apoptosis Induced by Cationic Liposomes in Macrophages

Purpose. Cationic liposomes are expected to be useful as nonviral vectors for gene delivery. Cationic liposomes showed cytotoxicity, and we proposed that the cytotoxicity is through apoptosis. In this study, we examined the effects of liposomal properties, such as liposomal charge, size, membrane fluidity, and PEG coating, on the induction of apoptosis in the macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7. Methods. RAW264.7 cells were treated with liposomes, and the induction of apoptosis was evaluated by monitoring the changes in DNA content by flow cytometry. The association of liposomes with cells and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also measured by flow cytometry. Results. The induction of apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells was dependent on the concentrations of stearylamine or cholesterol, a component of cationic liposomes. A significant correlation was observed between the degree of apoptosis and association of cationic liposomes with the cells. Coating the liposomal surface with polyethylene glycol (PEG) decreased the association of cationic liposomes with RAW264.7 cells and reduced the induction of apoptosis. Liposomal size also affected the induction of apoptosis, and larger liposomes showed a higher degree of apoptosis induction. Furthermore, ROS, which were required for the induction of apoptosis by cationic liposomes, were generated in a cholesterol content-dependent manner, and ROS generation was also decreased by PEG coating as the association and the induction of apoptosis were reduced. Conclusions. The degree of apoptosis is related to the extent of association of cationic liposomes with cells and is related to the generation of ROS.     

Preferential Binding of Polyethylene Glycol-Coated Liposomes Containing a Novel Cationic Lipid,TRX-20, to Human Subendthelial Cells via Chondroitin Sulfate

Purpose. To design novel cationic liposomes, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated cationic liposomes containing a newly synthesized cationic lipid, 3,5-dipentadecyloxybenzamidine hydrochloride (TRX-20) were formulated and their cellular binding and uptake investigated in vitro in the following cells: human subendothelial cells (aortic smooth muscle cells and mesangial cells) and human endothelial cells. Methods. Three different PEG-coated cationic liposomes were prepared by the extrusion method, and their mean particle size and zeta potential were determined. Rhodamine-labeled PEG-coated cationic liposomes were incubated with smooth muscle cells, mesangial cells, and endothelial cells at 37°C for 24 h. The amounts of cellular binding and uptake of liposomes were estimated by measuring the cell-associated fluorescence intensity of rhodamine. To investigate the binding property of the liposomes, the changes of the binding to the cells pretreated by various kinds of glycosaminoglycan lyases were examined. Fluorescence microscopy is used to seek localization of liposomes in the cells. Results. The cellular binding and uptake of PEG-coated cationic liposomes to smooth muscle cells was depended strongly on the chemical species of cationic lipids in these liposomes. Smooth muscle cells bound higher amount of PEG-coated TRX-20 liposomes than other cationic liposomes containing N-(1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy) propyl)-N, N, N-trimethylammonium salts or N-(-(trimethylammonio)acetyl)-D-glutamate chloride. Despite of the higher affinity of PEG-coated TRX-20 liposomes for subendothelial cells, their binding to endothelial cells was very small. The binding to subendothelial cells was inhibited when cells were pretreated by certain kinds of chondroitinase, but not by heparitinase. These results suggest that PEG-coated TRX-20 liposomes have strong and selective binding property to subendothelial cells by interacting with certain kinds of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (not with heparan sulfate proteoglycans) on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix of the cells. This binding feature was different from that reported for other cationic liposomes. Conclusions. PEG-coated TRX-20 liposomes can strongly and selectively bind to subendothelial cells via certain kinds of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and would have an advantage to use as a specific drug delivery system.     

Receptor-Mediated Gene Targeting to Tissues In Vivo Following Intravenous Administration of Pegylated Immunoliposomes

Purpose. Gene therapy has been limited by the immunogenicity of viral vectors, by the inefficiency of cationic liposomes, and by the rapid degradation in vivofollowing the injection of naked DNA. The present work describes a new approach that enables the non-invasive, non-viral gene therapy of the brain and peripheral organs following an intravenous injection. Methods. The plasmid DNA encoding -galactosidase is packaged in the interior of neutral liposomes, which are stabilized for in vivo use by surface conjugation with polyethyleglycol (PEG). The tips of about 1% of the PEG strands are attached to a targeting monoclonal antibody (MAb), which acts as a molecular Trojan Horse to ferry the liposome carrying the gene across the biological barriers of the brain and other organs. The MAb targets the transferrin receptor, which is enriched at both the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and in peripheral tissues, such as liver and spleen. Results. Expression of the exogenous gene in brain, liver, and spleen was demonstrated with -galactosidase histochemistry, which showed persistence of gene expression for at least 6 days after a single intravenous injection of the pegylated immunoliposomes. The persistence of the transgene was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Conclusions. Widespread expression of an exogenous gene in brain and peripheral tissues is induced with a single intravenous administration of plasmid DNA packaged in the interior of pegylated im- munoliposomes. The liposomes are formulated to target specific receptor systems that enable receptor-mediated endocytosis of the complex into cells in vivo. This approach allows for non-invasive, non-viral gene therapy of the brain.     

LDL induced association of anionic liposomes with cells and delivery of contents as shown by the increase in potency of liposome dependent drugs

Purpose. To establish whether anionic liposomes interact with the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, to determine the role of lipoproteins in this interaction, and whether the association causes functional delivery of encapsulated drugs. Methods. The cell lines used were CV1-P and CHO wild type, both of which express the LDL receptor, and CHOldlA7, which lacks the LDL receptor. Cellular association of encapsulated methotrexate and fluorescein, labeled phosphatidylethanolamine in the lipid bilayer, was measured. Potency of three liposome dependent drugs (N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartic acid, fluoroorotic acid, and methotrexate--aspartate) was also measured by growth inhibition. Results. Association of liposomes containing at least 75 mol egg phosphatidylglycerol (ePG)/100 mol phospholipid with cells grown in defined medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/ml LDL was up to 30-fold higher with CV1-P or CHO wild type cells than with CHOldlA7, and 5-fold higher than association in defined medium lacking LDL. The addition of LDL did not yield any elevation of cellular association of distearoylphosphatidylglycerol liposomes. Increased association was paralleled by a corresponding increase in potency of all three liposome dependent drugs tested. Conclusions. ePG liposomes interact with the LDL receptor in an LDL-dependent fashion, and the interaction results in the delivery of contents to cells.     

Use of the Post-Insertion Technique to Insert Peptide Ligands into Pre-Formed Stealth Liposomes with Retention of Binding Activity and Cytotoxicity

Purpose: Simple methods for the large-scale manufacture of ligand-targeted liposomes will be needed if clinical trials are to proceed. We tested a recently developed technology for inserting peptide ligands into preformed Stealth liposomes. Antagonist G-targeted liposomes (PLG) were prepared and loaded with doxorubicin and their cellular association and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the human small cell lung cancer H69 cell line. Methods: The hexapeptide antagonist G was covalently coupled via a thioether bond to the terminus of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in micelles formed from maleimide-derivatized poly(ethylene glycol) (M_r 2000) distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine followed by transfer into preformed liposomes during a one-step incubation. For cellular association, we used radiolabeled liposomes. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT in vitro proliferation assay. Results: The postinsertion approach to the formation of peptide-targeted liposomes led to the production of PLG bearing a maximum of approximately 0.3 g antagonist G/mol phospholipid. These liposomes had increased cellular association to H69 cells relative to nontargeted liposomes and, when loaded with doxorubicin, they resulted in similar levels of cytotoxicity to those obtained by conventional coupling techniques. Conclusions: The postinsertion technique is a simple, effective means for the production of biologically active peptide-targeted liposomes.     

Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α covalently conjugated to long-circulating liposomes

Recombinant tumor necrosis factor-α (rHuTNF) was covalently conjugated to a phospholipid, N-glutaryl phosphatidylethanolamine (NGPE). The resultant rHuTNF-NGPE conjugates were incorporated into liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol (Chol) with or without polyethyleneglycol conjugated to phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG3000-PE). Efficient incorporation (35–50%) of rHuTNF-NGPE conjugates into liposomes was obtained for both PC/Chol and PC/Chol/PEG3000-PE liposomes. An in vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that rHuTNF-NGPE conjugates incorporated into liposomes exhibit a reduced biological activity as compared to the free rHuTNF. Biodistribution studies using ¹²⁵I-labeled rHuTNF showed a significant increase in the circulation time of rHuTNF by incorporation into PC/Chol/PEG3000-PE liposomes, but not conventional PC/Chol liposomes. However, studies using a radioactive lipid as a liposome marker showed that incorporation of rHuTNF-NGPE conjugates resulted in increased clearance from the blood and accumulation in the spleen and liver of both liposomal formulations. The liposome clearance from the blood depends on the protein/lipid ratio of liposomes. The higher the protein/lipid ratio, the higher the liposome clearance from the blood and accumulation in the spleen and liver, suggesting that accumulation of rHuTNF-bound liposomes in the spleen and liver involves interactions with TNF-receptors in these organs.     

Enhanced Encapsulation of Amphotericin B into Liposomes by Complex Formation with Polyethylene Glycol Derivatives

Purpose. A highly efficient method was developed for the encapsulation of amphotericin B (AmB) in liposomes, and the mechanism involved was characterized. Methods. AmB was encapsulated in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (DPPC/CH, 2:1) liposomes after complex formation with distearoyl-N-(monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) succinyl) phosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE-PEG). Hydration of lipids was done with 9% sucrose solution. Results. The encapsulated amount of AmB was 111 g/mg lipid, which was much higher than that obtained by the same method without DSPE-PEG (14 g/mg lipid). The amount encapsulated increased with amount of DSPE-PEG used and with PEG molecular weight. Encapsulation efficacy was also influenced by the type of PEG derivatives used and by the modification of AmB, suggesting the involvement of complex formation between AmB and DSPE-PEG. Absorption and ³¹P-NMR spectral analyses indicated that interactions between the amino and phosphate groups and between the polyene and PEG moieties in AmB and DSPE-PEG, respectively, play an important role in the complex formation. Conclusions. Complex formation of AmB with DSPE-PEG allows the highly efficient encapsulation of the drug in liposomes. This simple technique should be applicable to other hydrophobic drugs.     

Antibody Dependent,Complement Mediated Liver Uptake of Liposomes Containing GM1

Purpose. We have previously reported that GM_l exhibits an opposite effect on regulating liposome circulation time in mice and rats (Liu et al. Pharm. Res. Vol. 12:508-512 (1995)). Inclusion of GM₁ into liposomes significantly prolongs liposome circulation time in mice, while it dramatically decreases the blood half life and increases liver uptake of liposomes in rats. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism that underlies this phenomenon. Methods. Single-pass liver perfusion in vitro and complement mediated liposome lysis assay was used. Results. Serum appeared to play an important role in determining the liver uptake of GM_l liposomes. Specifically, rat serum enhanced the uptake of GM₁ containing liposomes by the perfused liver. Such activity was also found in human and bovine serum, but not in mouse serum. Taking human serum as an example, we demonstrated that such serum activity can be blocked by EDTA and EGTA/Mg^{2 +}. Antibodies against human IgM and the third component of complement system (C3) also inhibited serum activity. Conclusions. The presence of naturally occurring anti-GM₁ antibodies in rats, through the activation of the classic pathway of complement system, is likely the cause of rapid blood clearance of GM₁ liposomes. The third component of complement is likely to serve as the opsonin that is directly involved in mediating liposome clearance.     

Development of an ELISA for detection of an organophosphorus compound using monoclonal antibodies

This paper describes a specific and highly sensitive ELISA system using monoclonal antibodies in order to assay an organophosphorus compound. The soman derivative methyl phosphonic acid, p-aminophenyl 1,2,2,-trimethyl-propyl diester (MATP) served as model substance. In order to obtain antibody-producing hybridomas BALB/c mice were immunized with MATP linked onto human serum albumin (HSA). The spleen cells of immunized mice were fused with syngenic plasmacytomas of the non-producer-line X63Ag8.653 with the aid of polyethylene glycol. To eliminate undesirable cross-reaction, common screening procedures were modified by directly coating the ELISA plates with hapten. Five out of 15 positive cell-lines were cloned by limiting dilution and further propagated. The respective immunoglobulin class and subclass of the obtained monoclonal antibodies was determined. Four of which were identified as IgG₁, the other as IgG_2a. After enrichment of antibodies in ascites and their isolation by protein A-sepharose, the affinity of various monoclonal antibodies was estimated in competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay (CIEIA) by measuring the IC₅₀ rates of free MATP. The rates were found to lie between 2.5 × 10^–6 mol/l and 4.3 × 10^–4 mol/l MATP. The IC₁₀ rate for detectable MATP concentration was 5.4 × 10^–7 mol/l MATP. Test duration was 280 min. The reactivity of the monoclonal antibodies with structurally related substances was used to check their specificity. Cross-reaction turned out to be negative. In order to develop a direct competitive ELISA, MATP was linked to horse radish peroxidase (HRPO) by adding a spacer. This helped to reduce total duration to 40 min. The detection level was further reduced to 1.3 × 10^–7 mol/l MATP (corresponding to 975 pg/25 l test-buffer) using the monoclonal antibody F71D7. Likewise, MATP was detected in goat serum, chicken serum, rabbit serum, milk and company's water in concentrations between 2.1 × 10^–7 mol/l (IC₁₀, company's water) and 4.9 × 10^–8 mol/l (IC₁₀, milk).     

Pharmacokinetics of Differently Designed Immunoliposome Formulations in Rats with Or Without Hepatic Colon Cancer Metastases

Purpose. Compare pharmacokinetics of tumor-directed immunoliposomes in healthy and tumor-bearing rats (hepatic colon cancer metastases). Methods. A tumor cell-specific monoclonal antibody was attached to polyethyleneglycol-stabilized liposomes, either in a random orientation via a lipid anchor (MPB-PEG-liposomes) or uniformly oriented at the distal end of the PEG chains (Hz-PEG-liposomes). Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution were determined using [³H]-cholesteryloleylether or bilayer-anchored 5-fluoro[³H]deoxyuridine-dipalmitate ([³H]FUdR-dP) as a marker. Results. In healthy animals clearance of PEG-(immuno)liposomes was almost log-linear and only slightly affected by antibody attachment; in tumor-bearing animals all liposomes displayed biphasic clearance. In normal and tumor animals blood elimination increased with increasing antibody density; particularly for the Hz-PEG-liposomes, and was accompanied by increased hepatic uptake, probably due to increased numbers of macrophages induced by tumor growth. The presence of antibodies on the liposomes enhanced tumor accumulation: uptake per gram tumor tissue (2-4% of dose) was similar to that of liver. Remarkably, this applied to tumor-specific and irrelevant antibody. Increased immunoliposome uptake by trypsin-treated Kupffer cells implicated involvement of high-affinity Fc-receptors on activated macrophages. Conclusions. Tumor growth and immunoliposome characteristics (antibody density and orientation) determine immunoliposome pharmacokinetics. Although with a long-circulating immunoliposome formulation, efficiently retaining the prodrug FUdR-dP, we achieved enhanced uptake by hepatic metastases, this was probably not mediated by specific interaction with the tumor cells, but rather by tumor-associated macrophages.     

Free Fatty Acids Cause pH-Dependent Changes in Drug-Lipid Membrane Interactions Around Physiological pH

Purpose. The influence of oleic acid (OA) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PhE) as membrane constituents on the partition behavior of (RS)-[³H]propranolol between unilamellar liposomes and buffer was studied as a function of pH. Methods. Partition studies were performed by means of equilibrium dialysis at 37°C over a broad pH range at a molar propranolol to lipid ratio in the membrane of 10^–6. Results. As compared to the standard phosphatidylcholine (PhC)-liposome/buffer partition system PhE and OA have an enhancing effect on the apparent partition coefficient (D) of (RS)-[³H]propranolol between pH 6 and 11. Data analysis with Henderson-Hasselbalch equations revealed that the neutral propranolol has a higher affinity to membranes containing net neutral charged PhE than to pure PhC-liposomes. Net negatively charged PhE seems to have no significant influence on the partitioning. Deprotonated OA caused an increase in the true partition coefficient (P) of the protonated propranolol. Neutral OA showed no influence on the partitioning. From the fit D vs pH curves and from zeta potential measurements of the liposomes the intrinsic pK_a values of the membranous lipids were calculated as 7.5 to 7.8 for OA and 9.7 to 9.8 for PhE. Conclusions. Since the pK_a of membranous OA is close to the physiological pH and D depends on the ionisation state of OA, small pH changes around the physiological pH may cause large differences in drug-lipid membrane interactions.     

Long-Circulating Emulsions (Oil-in-Water) as Carriers for Lipophilic Drugs

Purpose. Rapid clearance of parenterally administered oil-in-water emulsions from blood by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), mainly macrophages of the liver and spleen, has been one of the major obstacles for delivering lipophilic drugs to cells other than those in the RES. The purpose of this study therefore is to overcome this problem and develop emulsions that will have prolonged blood circulation time. Methods. A series of amphipathic polyethylene-glycol (PEG) derivatives have been included as co-emulsifier into emulsions composed of Castor oil and phosphatidylcholine. The effect of amphipathic PEG on reducing the RES uptake and prolonging the blood circulation of the emulsion particles has been tested in vivo using mice as an animal model. Results. Inclusion of PEG derivatives such as Tween-80 or dioleoyl N-(monomethoxy-polyethyleneglycol succinyl)phosphotidylethanolamine (PEG-PE) into emulsions composed of Castor oil and phosphatidylcholine decreases the RES uptake and increases blood residence time of the emulsions. The activity of PEG derivatives in prolonging the circulation time of emulsions depends on the PEG chain length (PEG2000PEG5000>PEG1000, Tween-80) and the PEG density on emulsion surface. Conclusions. Inclusion of amphipathic PEG as emulsifier into oil-in-water emulsions is a very effective method to prolong the blood half life of the emulsions. Emulsions with long circulating half life in blood should be very useful as a delivery vehicle for lipophilic drugs.     

In Vitro Cellular Handling and in Vivo Targeting of E-Selectin-Directed Immunoconjugates and Immunoliposomes Used for Drug Delivery to Inflamed Endothelium

Purpose. Drug targeting to activated endothelial cells is now being explored as a new approach to interfere with chronic inflammation. This study compares a dexamethasone-anti-E-selectin immunoconjugate (dexa-Ab_Esel) with anti-E-selectin immunoliposomes (Ab_Esel-immunoliposomes) that contain dexamethasone, regarding in vitro binding and internalization as well as in vivo accumulation in activated endothelial cells. Methods. In vitro binding and internalization of dexa-Ab_Esel and the Ab_Esel-immunoliposomes into TNF-activated HUVECs was studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy and radiolabeled compounds. Tissue accumulation of both compounds was studied in a murine delayed-type hypersensitivity model using immunohistochemistry. Results and Conclusions. Both preparations were selectively internalized by activated endothelial cells. Dexa-Ab_Esel was internalized by activated HUVECs to a larger extent than the Ab_Esel-immuno- liposomes, although in theory the high drug-loading capacity of the liposomes may enable a larger amount of dexamethasone to be delivered intracellularly. Both dexa-Ab_Esel and Ab_Esel-immuno- liposomes accumulated in activated endothelial cells in murine inflamed skin. Ab_Esel-immunoliposomes, but not dexa-Ab_Esel, were additionally detected in control skin, though to a lesser extent, and in macrophages of the liver and the spleen. Studies on therapeutic effects and side effects in models of chronic inflammation are now necessary to establish pharmacodynamics of dexa-Ab_Esel and/or Ab_Esel-immunoliposomes in the treatment of chronic inflammation.a network collaboration between the Universities of Groningen, Leiden, and Utrecht and the pharmaceutical company Yamanouchi     

PEG修饰鳖甲肽HGRFG脂质体的药动学研究

目的 制备鳖甲肽HGRFG脂质体以及聚乙二醇（polyethylene glycol,PEG）修饰后的长循环脂质体,考察经修饰的脂质体较未修饰脂质体在动物体内分布及滞留情况。方法 采用BLB/c裸鼠荧光活体成像实验,进行脂质体体内分布及代谢研究;采用药动学实验,初步探究2种载药脂质体在血浆内的滞留时间。结果 2种载药脂质体均能广泛分布于实验动物体内。与未经修饰的脂质体载药组相比,经PEG修饰的长循环脂质体载药组中裸鼠荧光全部消失的时间明显延长,药物在血浆滞留时间也明显延长。结论 经PEG修饰后的长循环脂质体可以延长药物在实验动物体内的滞留时间,延长药物半衰期。     

Prediction of Poly(Ethylene) Glycol-Drug Eutectic Compositions Using an Index Based on the van't Hoff Equation

Purpose. To define an index based on the van't Hoff equation that can be used as a screening tool for predicting poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG)-drug eutectic composition. Methods. Phase diagrams of PEG with ritonavir, ibuprofen, fenofibrate, naproxen, and griseofulvin were constructed using differential scanning calorimetry, hot stage microscopy and powder X-ray diffractometry. Previously reported phase diagrams were also used to test the predictive capability of the index. Results. This work shows that a modified van't Hoff equation can be used to model the drug liquidus line of these phase diagrams. The slope of the liquidus line depends on the melting point (T^f _d) and heat of fusion (H^f _d) of the drug and describes the initial rate at which the eutectic or monotectic point is approached. Based on this finding, a dimensionless index I_c was defined. The index can be calculated from the melting points of the pure components and heat of fusion of the drug. In addition to the compounds listed above, the index was found to predict the eutectic composition for flurbiprofen, temazepam and indomethacin. These compounds range over 150°C in T^f _d, and from 25-65kJ/mole in H^f _d. Conclusion. Using I_c the approximate eutectic composition for eight different compounds was predicted. The index provides a useful screening tool for assessing the maximum drug loading in a drug-polymer eutectic/monotectic formulation.     

Prediction of Intestinal Drug Absorption Properties by Three-Dimensional Solubility Parameters

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of solubility parameters for the prediction of gastrointestinal absorption sites and absorption durations of drugs. Methods. Three-dimensional solubility parameters of drug substances were calculated using an advanced parameter set based on the group contribution methods of Fedors and Van Krevelen/Hoftyzer. The results of the calculations were illustrated via Bagley diagram and related to absorption data reported in the literature. Results. Solubility parameters of drugs which are known to be absorbed over a long period in human's digestive tract were found in a limited area within the Bagley diagram. From the three-dimensional solubility parameters of these substances, a region for optimal absorption with the centre coordinates _v = 20.3 (J cm^–3)^0.5 and _h = 11.3 (J cm^–3)^0.5 could be derived. Drugs with absorption sites along the whole gastrointestinal tract were found in this area. Drugs which are preferably absorbed from upper parts of the intestine are located in another typical region with partial solubility parameters _h of more than 17 (J cm^–3)^0.5. Conclusions. The method which is presented in this paper appears as a simple but effective method to estimate the absorption behaviour of new substances in drug research and development.     

Folate receptor-mediated liposomal delivery of a lipophilic boron agent to tumor cells in vitro for neutron capture therapy

Purpose. This study was aimed at the in vitro evaluations of folate receptor (FR)-targeted liposomes as carriers for a lipophilic boron agent, K[nido-7-CH₃(CH₂)₁₅-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁], in FR-overexpressing tumor cells for neutron capture therapy. Methods. Large unilamellar vesicles (200 nm in diameter) were prepared with the composition of egg PC/chol/K[nido-7-CH₃(CH₂)₁₅-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁] (2:2:1, mol/mol), with an additional 0.5 mol % of folate-PEG-DSPE or PEG-DSPE added for the FR-targeted or nontargeted liposomal formulations, respectively. Results. Boron-containing, FR-targeted liposomes readily bound to KB cells, an FR-overexpressing cell line, and were internalized via FR-mediated endocytosis. The boron uptake in cells treated with these liposomes was approximately 10 times greater compared with those treated with control liposomes. In contrast, FR-targeted and nontargeted liposomes showed no difference in boron delivery efficiency in F98 cells, which do not express the FR. The subcellular distribution of the boron compound in KB cells treated with the FR-targeted liposomes was investigated by cellular fractionation experiments, which showed that most of the boron compound was found in either the cytosol/endosomal or cell membrane fractions, indicating efficient internalization of the liposomal boron. Conclusion. FR-targeted liposomes incorporating the lipophilic boron agent, K[nido-7-CH₃(CH₂)₁₅-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁], into its bilayer were capable of specific receptor binding and receptor-mediated endocytosis in cultured KB cells. Such liposomes warrant further investigations for use in neutron capture therapy.