Biodistribution Studies (biodistribution + studies)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Long circulating nanoparticles of etoposide using PLGA-MPEG and PLGA-pluronic block copolymers: characterization, drug-release, blood-clearance, and biodistribution studies

DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010
Khushwant S. Yadav
Abstract The anti-leukemic drug, etoposide (ETO), has variable oral bioavailability ranging from 24,74% with a short terminal half-life of 1.5,h i.v. necessitating continuous infusion for 24,34,h for the treatment of leukemia. In the present study, etoposide-loaded PLGA-based surface-modified nanoparticles (NPs) with long circulation were designed as an alternative to continuous i.v. administration. PLGA-mPEG and PLGA-PLURONIC copolymers were synthesised and used to prepared ETO-loaded NPs by high-pressure homogenization. The mean particle size of ETO-loaded PLGA-MPEG nanoparticles was 94.02±3.4,nm, with an Entrapment Efficiency (EE) of 71.2% and zeta potential value of ,6.9±1.3,mV. ETO-loaded PLGA-pluronic nanoparticles had a mean particle size of 148.0±2.1,nm, an EE of 73.12±2.7%, and zeta potential value of ,21.5±1.6,mV. In vitro release of the pure drug was complete within 4,h, but was sustained up to 7 days from PLGA-mPEG nanoparticles and for 5 days from PLGA-pluronic nanoparticles. Release was first order and followed non-Fickian diffusion kinetics in both instances. ETO and ETO-loaded PLGA nanoparticles labeled with 99mTc were used in blood clearance studies in rats where the two coated NPs, 99mTc- ETO-PLGA-PLU NP and 99mTc- ETO-PLGA-mPEG NP, were found to be available in higher concentrations in the circulation as compared to the pure drug. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that ETO-loaded PLGA-MPEG NP and PLGA-PLURONIC NP had reduced uptake by the RES due to their steric barrier properties and were present in the circulation for a longer time. Moreover, the NPs had greater uptake in bone and brain where concentration of the free drug, ETO, was negligible. Drug delivered from these NPs could result in a single i.v. injection that would release the drug for a number of days, which would be potentially beneficial and in better control of leukemia therapy. Drug Dev Res 71: 228,239, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Targeted therapy of renal cell carcinoma: Synergistic activity of cG250-TNF and IFNg

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2009
Stefan Bauer
Abstract Immunotherapeutic targeting of G250/Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX) represents a promising strategy for treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The well characterized human-mouse chimeric G250 (cG250) antibody has been shown in human studies to specifically enrich in CA-IX positive tumors and was chosen as a carrier for site specific delivery of TNF in form of our IgG-TNF-fusion protein (cG250-TNF) to RCC xenografts. Genetically engineered TNF constructs were designed as CH2/CH3 truncated cG250-TNF fusion proteins and eucariotic expression was optimized under serum-free conditions. In-vitro characterization of cG250-TNF comprised biochemical analysis and bioactivity assays, alone and in combination with Interferon-, (IFN,). Biodistribution data on radiolabeled [125J] cG250-TNF and antitumor activity of cG250-TNF, alone and in combination with IFN,, were measured on RCC xenografts in BALB/c nu/nu mice. Combined administration of cG250-TNF and IFN, caused synergistic biological effects that represent key mechanisms displaying antitumor responses. Biodistribution studies demonstrated specific accumulation and retention of cG250-TNF at CA-IX-positive RCC resulting in growth inhibition of RCC and improved progression free survival and overall survival. Antitumor activity induced by targeted TNF-based constructs could be enhanced by coadministration of low doses of nontargeted IFN, without significant increase in side effects. Administration of cG250-TNF and IFN, resulted in significant synergistic tumoricidal activity. Considering the poor outcome of renal cancer patients with advanced disease, cG250-TNF-based immunotherapeutic approaches warrant clinical evaluation. © 2009 UICC [source]


A pyrazolylamine-phosphonate monoester chelator for the fac -[M(CO)3]+ core (M = Re, 99mTc): synthesis, coordination properties and biological assessment

JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 13 2007
Elisa Palma
Abstract Aiming to develop new strategies for the labeling of hydroxyl-containing biomolecules with the organometallic core fac -[99mTc(CO)3]+, we have prepared a new model bifunctional chelator, L4 (ethyl hydrogen (2-{[2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H -pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]amino}ethyl)phosphonate), combining a pyrazolyl-amine chelating group and a monophosphonate ethyl ester function (,P(O)OHOEt). The phosphonate group allows metal stabilization, and, simultaneously, can be considered as a potential attachment site for a biomolecule. Reaction of L4 with the precursor [99mTc(H2O)3(CO)3]+ gave the model radiocomplex [99mTc(CO)3(k3 -L4)] (6a). This radiocomplex was identified by comparing its chromatographic profile with that of the corresponding Re analog (6) under the same conditions, also prepared and fully characterized by the usual analytical techniques. Radiocomplex 6a is moderately lipophilic (log Po/w = 1.07), presenting high stability in vitro without any measurable decomposition or ligand exchange, even in the presence of strong competing chelators such as histidine and cysteine (37°C, 24 h). Biodistribution studies of the complex in CD-1 mice indicated a rapid blood clearance, and a rapid clearance from main organs, occurring primarily through the hepatobiliary pathway. Complex 6a presents also a high robustness in vivo, demonstrated by its resistance to metabolic degradation in blood, and intact excretion into the urine, after RP-HPLC analysis of blood and urine samples. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Cyclopentadienyl technetium (99mTc) tricarbonyl piperidine conjugates: biodistribution and imaging studies

JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 9 2001
Mouldi Saidi
Abstract Synthesis of organometallic complexes of 99mTc using the precursor ligands N -methylpiperidino-4[(bispentahaptocyclopentadienyl)iron] carboxylate and N -(isopropyl)-piperidino-4[(bispentahaptocyclopentadienyl)iron]carboxylate is described. The labelling method involved reaction of the ligands with 99mTcO in the presence of Mn(CO)5Br in dimethyl formamide at 150°C for 1 h in an oil bath. The purification of the complexes was carried out by preparative TLC using ethery/n -butyl methyl amine (95:5) solvent system. The purified complexes were characterized by HPLC using acetonitrile:water (80:20) solvent system in a PRP-1 column in which both the complexes were eluted as single peaks. Biodistribution studies carried out in rats showed 2.4±0.14 and 1.1±0.42% of the injected activity in the brain tissue 5 min p.i. for cytectrene I and II, respectively. The brain to blood activity ratio was >15:1 for both the complexes at 5 min p.i. Scintigraphic studies in rabbits showed significant uptake of the activity in the brain with fast clearance from blood. The complexes warrant further investigation as agents for brain imaging. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Enzymatic synthesis and biodistribution in mice of , -O-D-galactopyranosyl-(1,4,)-2,-[18F]fluoro-2,-deoxy-D-glucopyranose (2,-[18F]fluorodeoxylactose]

JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 6 2001
G. Bormans
Abstract We have synthesized , -O- D -galactopyranosyl-(1,4,)-2,-[18F]fluoro-2,-deoxy- D -glucopyranose (2,-[18F]fluorodeoxylactose, 18FDL) using an enzymatic method starting from 18FDG in order to evaluate this compound with regard to its usefulness for in vivo visualization of the expression of the LacZ gene. Incubation of 18FDL with , -galactosidase results in the formation of 18FDG. Biodistribution studies in normal mice showed that 18FDL is cleared by urinary excretion and is not retained in any tissue. Biodistribution in Rosa-26 mice is identical to the biodistribution in normal mice, suggesting that 18FDL is not able to cross the cell membrane. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Tissue Distribution, Autoradiography, and Metabolism of 4-(2,-Methoxyphenyl)-1-[2, -[N -2,-Pyridinyl)- p -[18F]Fluorobenzamido]ethyl]piperazine (p -[18F]MPPF), a New Serotonin 5-HT1A Antagonist for Positron Emission Tomography

JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2000
An In Vivo Study in Rats
The in vivo behavior of 4-(2,-methoxyphenyl)-1-[2,-[N -(2,-pyridinyl)- p -[18F]fluorobenzamido]ethyl]-piperazine (p -[18F]MPPF), a new serotonin 5-HT1A antagonist, was studied in awake, freely moving rats. Biodistribution studies showed that the carbon-fluorine bond was stable in vivo, that this compound was able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and that a general diffusion equilibrium could account for the availability of the tracer. The great quantity of highly polar metabolites found in plasma did not contribute to the small amounts of metabolites found in hippocampus, frontal cortex, and cerebellum. Exvivo p -[18F]MPPF and in vitro 8-hydroxy-2-(di- n -[3H]propylamino)tetralin autoradiography were compared both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative evaluation proved that the same brain regions were labeled and that the p -[18F]MPPF labeling is (a) in total agreement with the known distribution of 5-HT1A receptors in rats and (b) characterized by very low nonspecific binding. Quantitative comparison demonstrated that the in vivo labeling pattern obtained with p -[18F]MPPF cannot be explained by differences in regional blood flow, capillary density, or permeability. The 5-HT1A specificity of p -[18F]MPPF and binding reversibility were confirmed in vivo with displacement experiments. Thus, this compound can be used to evaluate parameters characterizing 5-HT1A binding sites in the brain. [source]


Efficacy of chitosan microspheres for controlled intra-articular delivery of celecoxib in inflamed joints

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 9 2004
Hetal Thakkar
The use of polymeric carriers in formulations of therapeutic drug delivery systems has gained widespread application, due to their advantage of being biodegradable and biocompatible. In this study, we aimed to prepare celecoxib-loaded chitosan microspheres for intra-articular administration and to compare the retention of the celecoxib solution and chitosan microspheres in the joint cavity. The microspheres were characterized for entrapment efficiency, particle size and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy. In-vitro drug release studies of microspheres revealed that the microspheres are able to control the release of celecoxib over a period of 96 h. Biodistribution studies of celecoxib and chitosan microspheres were performed by radiolabelling with 99mTc and injecting intra-articularly in rats. The study indicated that following intra-articular administration the distribution of the drug to the organs, like liver and spleen, is very rapid compared with that of the microspheres. Compared with the drug solution, a 10-fold increase in the concentration of the drug in the joint was observed 24 h post intra-articular injection (P < 0.005) when drug was encapsulated in microspheres. [source]


Photodynamic therapy of newly implanted glioma cells in the rat brain

LASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 5 2006
Steen J. Madsen PhD
Abstract Background and Objective A syngeneic rat brain tumor model is used to investigate the effects of aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) on small clusters of tumor cells sequestered in normal brain. Study Design/Materials and Methods Biodistribution studies on tumor-bearing animals were undertaken in order to determine the occurrence of photosensitizer in tumor cells invading normal brain. ALA,PDT toxicity in normal brain and gross tumor were evaluated from histopathology. Effects of PDT on isolated glioma cells in normal brain were investigated by treating animals 48 hours after tumor cell implantation. Results Fluorescence microscopy of frozen tissue sections showed that photosensitizer content was limited and variable in tumor tissue invading normal brain. ALA,PDT with high light doses resulted in significant damage to both gross tumor and normal brain, however, the treatment failed to prolong survival of animals with newly implanted glioma cells. In contrast, animals inoculated with tumor cells pre-incubated in vitro with ALA showed a significant survival advantage in response to PDT. Conclusion The results show that ALA,PDT could not prevent tumors from forming if treatment was performed shortly after tumor initiation. This was likely due to inadequate levels of ALA/PpIX in the glioma cells. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Use of 111In,L,LDL radiotracers to detect human pancreatic and mice melanoma tumors

APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2003
Pascale Urizzi
Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate the potential of labeled low-density lipoprotein with 111In using a lipid chelating agent (bis(stearylamide) of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid: L) to detect pancreatic tumors and melanoma in mice by gamma-scintigraphy. We compare the biodistribution of radioactivity and scintigraphic images in nude mice heterotransplanted with human cancerous pancreatic duct cells (Capan-1) and in mice transplanted with murine tumor cells (B16 melanoma). Biodistribution studies showed that radioactivity was twice as high in the Capan-1 xenograft after injection of the radiolabel than after injection of radiometal alone, and 34-fold higher in the B16 tumor. On gamma-scintigraphic imaging, the Capan-1 tumor was just visible, whereas the B16 melanoma was clearly imaged. The lack of contrast of the Capan-1 tumor compared with the B16 melanoma could be due to a poor vascularization. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Detection of Overexpressed COX-2 in Precancerous Lesions of Hamster Pancreas and Lungs by Molecular Imaging: Implications for Early Diagnosis and Prevention

CHEMMEDCHEM, Issue 6 2006
Hildegard
Abstract The enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in many cancers, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and arthritis. Selective inhibitors of COX-2 have been developed as therapeutics or preventive agents for these diseases. However, recent reports have revealed a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality in long-term users of the COX-2 inhibitors Vioxx and Celebrex, emphasizing the need for noninvasive tests that allow the identification of individuals whose COX-2 levels are overexpressed prior to assignment to treatment with these drugs. In this study, we have prepared a radioiodinated analogue of the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib, and verified its binding to the COX-2 enzyme in,vitro. Biodistribution studies in hamsters demonstrated significantly higher levels of radiotracer in animals treated with the tobacco carcinogen NNK in lung, pancreas, and liver. Assessment of COX-2 levels by whole-body planar nuclear imaging two hours after injection of the radiotracer was suggestive of a distinct increase in COX-2 in the pancreas and liver of a hamster treated for 10 weeks with NNK, in the lungs and liver of a second animal, and in the liver only, in two additional animals from the same treatment group. Immunostains showed selective overexpression of COX-2 in pre-neoplastic lesions of the pancreas and lungs in only those animals that showed tracer accumulation in these organs and in the livers of all NNK-treated hamsters. Immunostains for COX-1 yielded detectable reactions in the intestinal epithelium but not in pancreas, lungs, or liver, supporting the specificity of the tracer for COX-2. Our data provide proof of principle for the hypothesis that molecular imaging with radiolabeled COX-2 inhibitors can be used for the noninvasive monitoring of overexpressed COX-2 levels. [source]


Long circulating nanoparticles of etoposide using PLGA-MPEG and PLGA-pluronic block copolymers: characterization, drug-release, blood-clearance, and biodistribution studies

DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010
Khushwant S. Yadav
Abstract The anti-leukemic drug, etoposide (ETO), has variable oral bioavailability ranging from 24,74% with a short terminal half-life of 1.5,h i.v. necessitating continuous infusion for 24,34,h for the treatment of leukemia. In the present study, etoposide-loaded PLGA-based surface-modified nanoparticles (NPs) with long circulation were designed as an alternative to continuous i.v. administration. PLGA-mPEG and PLGA-PLURONIC copolymers were synthesised and used to prepared ETO-loaded NPs by high-pressure homogenization. The mean particle size of ETO-loaded PLGA-MPEG nanoparticles was 94.02±3.4,nm, with an Entrapment Efficiency (EE) of 71.2% and zeta potential value of ,6.9±1.3,mV. ETO-loaded PLGA-pluronic nanoparticles had a mean particle size of 148.0±2.1,nm, an EE of 73.12±2.7%, and zeta potential value of ,21.5±1.6,mV. In vitro release of the pure drug was complete within 4,h, but was sustained up to 7 days from PLGA-mPEG nanoparticles and for 5 days from PLGA-pluronic nanoparticles. Release was first order and followed non-Fickian diffusion kinetics in both instances. ETO and ETO-loaded PLGA nanoparticles labeled with 99mTc were used in blood clearance studies in rats where the two coated NPs, 99mTc- ETO-PLGA-PLU NP and 99mTc- ETO-PLGA-mPEG NP, were found to be available in higher concentrations in the circulation as compared to the pure drug. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that ETO-loaded PLGA-MPEG NP and PLGA-PLURONIC NP had reduced uptake by the RES due to their steric barrier properties and were present in the circulation for a longer time. Moreover, the NPs had greater uptake in bone and brain where concentration of the free drug, ETO, was negligible. Drug delivered from these NPs could result in a single i.v. injection that would release the drug for a number of days, which would be potentially beneficial and in better control of leukemia therapy. Drug Dev Res 71: 228,239, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Characterization of pegylated copolymeric micelles and in vivo pharmacokinetics and biodistribution studies

JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2006
Wen-Jen Lin
Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of pegylated copolymeric micelle carrier on the biodistribution of drug in rats. The copolymers were synthesized via a modified ring-opening copolymerization of lactone monomers (,-caprolactone, ,-valerolactone, L -lactide) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG10,000 and PEG4000). The molecular weights and the polydispersities of synthesized copolymers were in the range of 15,000,31,000 g/mol and 1.7,2.7, respectively. All of the pegylated amphiphilic copolymers were micelles formed with low CMC values in the range of 10,7,10,8M. The drug-loaded micelles were prepared via a dialysis method. The average particle size of micelles was around 150,200 nm. The cytotoxicity in terms of cell viability after treated with PCL,PEG, PVL,PEG, and PLA,PEG micelles was insignificant. PCL,PEG and PVL,PEG micelles without branch side chain in structures had higher drug loading than PLA,PEG micelles. In vitro release profiles indicated the release of indomethacin from these micelles exhibited a sustained release behavior. The similar phenomenon was also observed in vivo in rats. The pegylated copolymeric micelles not only decreased drug uptake by the liver and kidney, but also prolonged drug retention in the blood. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006 [source]


Radiosynthesis and in vivo study of [18F]1-(2-fluoroethyl)-4-[(4-cyanophenoxy)methyl]piperidine: a promising new sigma-1 receptor ligand

JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 8 2005
Jun Zhao
Abstract The novel sigma-1 receptor PET radiotracer [18F]1-(2-fluoroethyl)-4-[(4-cyanophenoxy)methyl]piperidine ([18F]WLS1.002, [18F]-2) was synthesized (n=6) by heating the corresponding N -ethylmesylate precursor in an anhydrous acetonitrile solution containing [18F]fluoride, Kryptofix K222 and potassium carbonate for 15 min. Purification was accomplished by reverse-phase HPLC methods, providing [18F]-2 in 59±8% radiochemical yield (EOB), with specific activity of 2.89±0.80 Ci/µmol (EOS) and radiochemical purity of 98.3±2.1%. Rat biodistribution studies revealed relatively high uptake in many organs known to contain sigma-1 receptors, including the lungs, kidney, heart, spleen, and brain. Good clearance from normal tissues was observed over time. Blocking studies (60 min) demonstrated high (>80%) specific binding of [18F]-2 in the brain, with reduction also noted in other organs known to express these sites. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


The pharmacology of radiolabeled cationic antimicrobial peptides

JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 5 2008
Carlo P.J.M. Brouwer
Abstract Cationic antimicrobial peptides are good candidates for new diagnostics and antimicrobial agents. They can rapidly kill a broad range of microbes and have additional activities that have impact on the quality and effectiveness of innate responses and inflammation. Furthermore, the challenge of bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics and the unique mode of action of antimicrobial peptides have made such peptides promising candidates for the development of a new class of antibiotics. This review focuses on antimicrobial peptides as a topic for molecular imaging, infection detection, treatment monitoring and additionally, displaying microbicidal activities. A scintigraphic approach to studying the pharmacokinetics of antimicrobial peptides in laboratory animals has been developed. The peptides were labeled with technetium-99m and, after intravenous injection into laboratory animals, scintigraphy allowed real-time, whole body imaging and quantitative biodistribution studies of delivery of the peptides to the various body compartments. Antimicrobial peptides rapidly accumulated at sites of infection but not at sites of sterile inflammation, indicating that radiolabeled cationic antimicrobial peptides could be used for the detection of infected sites. As the number of viable micro-organisms determines the rate of accumulation of these peptides, radiolabeled antimicrobial peptides enabled to determine the efficacy of antibacterial therapy in animals to be monitored as well to quantify the delivery of antimicrobial peptides to the site of infection. The scintigraphic approach provides to be a reliable method for investigating the pharmacokinetics of small cationic antimicrobial peptides in animals and offers perspective for diagnosis of infections, monitoring antimicrobial therapy, and most important, alternative antimicrobial treatment infections with multi-drug resistant micro-organisms in humans. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci [source]


Mediastinal node and diaphragmatic targeting after intracavitary injection of avidin/99mTc-blue-biotin-liposome system

JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2006
Luis A. Medina
Abstract A method for delivering drugs to sites of disease extension in mediastinal nodes is described. Mediastinal node and lymphatic distributions were determined after intracavitary injection of the avidin/biotin-liposome system in normal rats. The effect of the injected dose on lymphatic targeting of liposomes after intraperitoneal injection of 99mTc-blue-biotin-liposomes and intrapleural injection of avidin, and vice versa, is presented. Scintigraphic imaging was used to follow the movement of 99mTc-blue-biotin-liposomes to determine the pharmacokinetics and organ uptake. Tissue biodistribution studies were performed 22 h after injection of the 99mTc-blue-biotin-liposomes. Results indicated that independent of the cavity in which each agent was injected, a dose of 5.0 mg of each agent results in higher mediastinal node targeting (8%,10% ID/Organ) as compared with the injection of a 0.5 mg dose (2%,5% ID/Organ, p,<,0.05). Targeting of diaphragm and associated lymphatics was observed when 99mTc-blue-biotin-liposomes were injected in peritoneum and avidin in pleural space. In contrast, pleural, and pericardial lymphatic targeting was observed when 99mTc-blue-biotin-liposomes were injected in pleural space and avidin in peritoneum. Intracavitary injection of the avidin/biotin-liposome system could potentially be used for the delivery of prophylactic drugs that could reduce tumor metastasis and infection spread to mediastinal nodes. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 95:207,224, 2006 [source]


Formulation and evaluation of nimodipine-loaded lipid microspheres

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 11 2006
Jia Yu
The purpose of this study was to develop an alternative, improved and better tolerated formulation and investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of the new formulation of nimodipine (NM) compared with nimodipine ethanol solutions. Lipid microspheres (LMs) prepared using lecithin and vegetable oils have attracted a lot of interest owing to their versatile properties, such as non-immunogenicity, being easily biodegradable and exhibiting high entrapment efficiency. NM incorporated in LMs could reduce irritation by avoiding the use of ethanol as a solubilizer. The solubility of NM was also increased by dissolving it in the oil phase. The particle size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficacy and assay of the NM-loaded LMs were found to be 188.2 ± 5.4 nm, ,31.6 mV, 94.2% and 1.04 mg mL,1, respectively. The preparation was stable for 1 year at 4,10°C. The formulation and some physicochemical properties of NM-loaded LMs were investigated. The pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies were performed in rats at a dose of 1.2 mg kg,1. From the observed data, there is no obvious retention of NM-loaded LMs in plasma. Moreover, incorporation of NM in LMs did not alter the tissue distribution significantly except for the relatively greater drug accumulation in the liver and spleen. The stimulation studies demonstrate that LMs of NM reduce irritation markedly compared with NM solutions. These results suggest that the LM system is a promising option to replace NM ethanol solutions as an intravenous treatment. [source]


Effect of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for Melanotic and Amelanotic Melanoma Transplanted into Mouse Brain

PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH, Issue 1 2002
Masaki Iwakura
In order to develop a protocol to treat brain metastatic melanoma using our 10B- p -boronophenylalanine (BPA) boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), we initiated the following studies (i), Comparative analyses of boron biodistribution between melanoma proliferating in the brain and skin among melanotic and amelanotic types, and (ii) Therapeutic evaluation of BPA,BNCT for brain melanoma models of both types, using survival times. Our present data have revealed that boron concentration in melanoma proliferating in the brain, the major prerequisite for successful BNCT, showed a positive correlation to melanin synthesizing activity in the same way as melanoma proliferating in skin. Further, the boron concentration ratio of melanoma to normal surrounding tissue for brain melanoma models was considerably higher than that for subcutaneous (s.c.) ones because of the existence of the blood,brain barrier (BBB). Additionally, from analyses of median and mean survival times following BNCT using low, middle, and high neutron doses, the therapeutic effect of BNCT for the amelanotic A1059 melanoma appeared at first glance to be higher than that for the highly BPA attracting and highly relative biological effect equivalent dose obtaining B15b melanoma. As the survival time was dependent on both regression and regrowth curves, and because the brain melanoma model in small animals made it difficult to evaluate these curves separately, we further examined the in vivo growth curve of both types of melanomas following implantation in s.c. tissue. The melanotic B15b melanoma was indeed found to possess much higher growth rate as compared with that of the amelanotic A1059 melanoma. The significance of boron biodistribution studies and BNCT survival curve analyses in forming an effective clinical protocol for individual human cases of melanoma brain metastasis is discussed. [source]


Biodistribution of the RD114/mammalian type D retrovirus receptor, RDR

THE JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE, Issue 3 2004
Bronwyn J. Green
Abstract Background The limited expression of viral receptors on target cells is a recognized barrier to therapeutic gene transfer. Previous analysis of receptor expression has been performed using indirect methods due to a lack of receptor-specific antibodies. Methods In this report we have used anti-RDR antiserum to provide direct histochemical and flow cytometric analysis of the expression of RDR, which is the cognate receptor for RD114-pseudotyped vectors as well as being a neutral amino acid transporter. Results RDR was present on a range of normal tissues with relevance to gene therapy including: colon, testis, ovary, bone marrow and skeletal muscle. It was also highly expressed on immature cells present in the squamous epithelia of skin, cervix, nasal mucosa, bronchus and tonsil. Of relevance to possible germline gene transfer, we demonstrated a lack of RDR expression on male or female germ cells. RDR expression on mature hemopoietic cell subsets showed up to 5-fold variability between individuals within each lineage,with some individuals expressing low levels of RDR across all blood lineages. Both myeloid and monocytic lineages contained the highest fraction of cells expressing RDR, whereas lymphoid lineages showed the lowest. Coexpression of CD34 and RDR ranged from 2.04 to 0.44% in G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood samples. Conclusions As a means to optimize gene transfer protocols, biodistribution studies such as these are fundamental to enable targeting of the virus receptor most abundantly expressed on relevant populations. The inter-individual variation of receptor expression seen here also raises the possible requirement for tailor-made gene therapy protocols. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]