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Biomedical subjects

G Storm

Publications and source records attributed to G Storm.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Immunoliposome-mediated targeting of doxorubicin to human ovarian carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.

This paper deals with the utility of immunoliposomes for the delivery of doxorubicin (DXR) to human ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. We aimed to investigate whether immunoliposome-mediated targeting of DXR to ovarian cancer cells translates in an enhanced anti-tumour effect compared with that of non-targeted DXR liposomes (lacking the specific antibody). Target cell binding and anti-tumour activity of DXR immunoliposomes were studied in vitro and in vivo (xenograft model of ovarian carcinoma). In vitro we observed that target cell binding and cell growth inhibition of DXR immunoliposomes is superior to that of non-targeted DXR-liposomes. However, in vivo, despite the efficient target cell binding and good anti-tumour response of DXR-immunoliposomes, no difference in anti-tumour effect, compared with non-targeted DXR-liposomes, could be determined. The results indicate that premature DXR leakage from immunoliposomes occurring before the actual target cell binding and subsequent DXR association with the tumour cells, explains why no significant differences in anti-tumour activity between DXR-immunoliposomes and non-targeted DXR-liposomes were observed in vivo.

Animals↗

Labelled Stealth liposomes in experimental infection: an alternative to leukocyte scintigraphy?

Indium-111 (111In) and technetium-99m (99Tcm) Stealth liposomes were compared with 111In- and 99Tcm-labelled white blood cells (WBC) in experimental infection in a rabbit model. Preformed polyethylene glycol-coated liposomes and separated WBC were radiolabelled with either 111In-oxine or 99Tcm-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (99TcM-HMPAO). After the intravenous administration of one of the four radiopharmaceuticals to rabbits with focal Staphylococcus aureus infection, scintigraphic images were recorded at various time points post-injection and the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceuticals was determined. At 4 h post-injection, uptake of 111In-WBC in the abscess was significantly higher than that of the three other products. AT later time points, 111In-WBC, 111In-liposome and 99Tcm-liposome uptake in the abscess were similar. In contrast, a 20 h post-injection, uptake of 99Tcm-WBC was significantly lower. The abscess-to-background ratios showed a similar pattern to the absolute abscess uptake: initial high values for 111In-WBC, a more gradual increase over time of the liposome preparations to the level of 111In-WBC and persistently low values for 99Tcm-WBC. Clearance from the blood of both labelled WBC preparations was significantly faster and splenic uptake significantly higher compared with those of the labelled liposomes. In conclusion, given the similar in vivo characteristics of labelled liposomes and labelled WBC, labelled liposomes may be an attractive replacement for labelled WBC, providing a continuously available, high-quality, 99Tcm-labelled radiopharmaceutical that can be prepared easily without any need to handle blood.

Abscess↗

Effects of intraperitoneal administration of free and liposome-entrapped doxorubicin on rat peritoneal exudate cell populations.

In the present paper effects of i.p. treatment with free or liposome-entrapped doxorubicin (DXR) on rat peritoneal exudate cell (PEC) populations were examined. Two types of DXR-liposomes were used: one type consisting of egg-phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylserine/cholesterol (molar ratio 10/1/4, mean size approx. 0.3 micron) and the other type of distearoylphosphatidylcholine/dipalmitoylglycerol/cholesterol (molar ratio 10/1/10, mean size approx. 0.8 micron). Dramatically fewer PEC could be recovered from rats given free DXR or DXR-liposomes i.p. (10 mg DXR/kg body weight) 24 h before sacrifice than from control rats. Also the ratio of leukocyte species was modified by treatment with DXR, in free or liposomal form; in both cases the relative number of macrophages tended to increase. HPLC determination of the amount of DXR associated with monolayers obtained by seeding PEC harvested after a single i.p. dose of free DXR or liposomal DXR suggests that peritoneal macrophages are not particularly active in endocytosing DXR-liposomes. It was observed that the peritoneal macrophages phagocytosed DXR-containing granules from degranulating mast cells after both i.p. treatment with free DXR and DXR-liposomes. Decreased yields of PEC following i.p. treatment with free or liposomal DXR as well as an involvement of mast cells in the processing of both free DXR and liposome-encapsulated DXR in the peritoneal cavity may have important consequences for approaches to i.p. chemotherapy.

Animals↗

Detecting infection and inflammation with technetium-99m-labeled Stealth liposomes.

UNLABELLED: The performance of 99mTc Stealth liposomes was investigated in various rat models. METHODS: Preformed polyethyleneglycol-containing liposomes with encapsulated reduced glutathione, were radiolabeled using the lipophilic 99mTc-HMPAO. The labeled liposomes were intravenously administered to rats with focal S. aureus or E. coli infection, or turpentine-induced inflammation. For comparison, Tc-99m-nanocolloid- and 99mTc-labeled nonspecific IgG were tested. In rats with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), Tc-99m-liposomes were directly compared to In-111 labeled nonspecific IgG. RESULTS: Technetium-99m-liposomes accumulated in the infectious and inflammatory muscle foci over 24 hr (0.59% injected dose per gram tissue (%ID/g) for S. aureus; 1.18 %ID/g for turpentine). Abscess-to-muscle ratios increased to values as high as 24.0, 41.7 and 44.5 for the respective models at 24 hr postinjection. Technetium-99m-liposomes visualized the foci as early as 1 hr postinjection. Technetium-99m-IgG visualized S. aureus infection, but abscess-to-muscle ratios and abscess uptake at the later time points were significantly lower. Technetium-99m-nanocolloid failed to visualize any of the muscle foci. In PCP however, 99mTc-liposomes did not show preferential localization in the infection. The control agent 111In-IgG showed a significant, two-fold increase in lung uptake. CONCLUSION: Technetium-99m-Stealth liposomes preferentially accumulated in abscesses, leading to very high target-to-nontarget ratios. This property appears to be related to a process based on uptake of long-circulating particles. In a specific type of infection, i.c. PCP, 99mTc-liposomes did not accumulate in diseased lung tissue, thus mimicking the in vivo behavior of labeled leukocytes.

Abscess↗

Design of immunoliposomes directed against human ovarian carcinoma.

Factors (protein/lipid ratio, pH of incubation medium, incubation time, anchor molecule density in the bilayer) affecting the covalent binding of anti-ovarian carcinoma Fab' to liposomes containing the anchor molecule MPB-PE (N-(4-(p-maleimidophenyl)butyryl)phosphatidylethanolamine) were explored. Standard experimental conditions were chosen and information on the relevant physicochemical parameters of the liposome dispersions was collected (mean particle diameter, size distribution, charge). The reproducibility of standard immunoliposomes prepared in subsequent batches in terms of Fab' binding, particle size and charge was established. In addition, preservation of immunoreactivity, no marker loss, and no aggregation/fusion was found for the standard immunoliposomes over a period of at least 3 weeks at 4 degrees C. In vitro up to 35,000 immunoliposomes were estimated to bind per human ovarian carcinoma cell. Internalization of the immunoliposomes could not be demonstrated. Electron micrographs showed binding of specific immunoliposomes to human ovarian carcinoma cells growing intraperitoneally in athymic nude mice.

Animals↗

Adhesion molecules: a new target for immunoliposome-mediated drug delivery.

The anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody F10.2 was conjugated to liposomes to target to cells expressing the cell adhesion molecule ICAM-1. We demonstrate that F10.2 immunoliposomes bind to human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in a specific, dose- and time-dependent manner. It appears that the degree of ICAM-1 expression is the limiting factor in the degree of immunoliposome binding to the cells. These results are a first step in the strategy for specific drug delivery to target sites characterised by increased expression of adhesion molecules.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Sterically stabilized liposomes labeled with indium-111 to image focal infection.

UNLABELLED: To determine the potential of sterically stabilized liposomes to image infectious and inflammatory foci, the in vivo behavior of 111In-labeled PEGylated (coated with polyethylene glycol) liposomes was studied in a rat model. METHODS: Indium-111-PEGylated lipsomes were administered intravenously to rats infected with S. aureus in the left calf muscle. The distribution of the radiolabel was studied by gamma counting of dissected tissues and gamma camera imaging for 48 hr. As a reference agent, the preparation of 111In-IgG was included in these studies. RESULTS: Clearance of the PEGylated liposomes from the blood compartment was similar to the clearance of 111In-IgG in this model (t1/2 approximately 20 hr). Uptake of the radiolabel in the abscess with the 111In-liposomes was twice as high as the uptake following injection of 111In-IgG (2.7%ID/g versus 1.1%ID/g at 48 hr postinjection). Tissue counting revealed that abscess-to-muscle ratios reached values up to 20 and 34 (24 and 48 p.i., respectively). As early as 1 hr postinjection, the abscess could be visualized scintigraphically. CONCLUSION: The in vivo characteristics of this liposomal formulation in this rat model indicate that sterically stabilized liposomes labeled with gamma emitters might be a valuable addition to the arsenal of radiopharmaceuticals currently used for infection imaging.

Abscess↗

Immunoliposomes in vivo.

Attachment of antibodies to the surface of liposomes was performed to confer specificity for a certain cell or organ expressing the targeted antigenic determinant. These so-called immunoliposomes are expected to be applied as targeted drug carriers. In this article, the literature concerning in vivo studies of the targeting of immunoliposomes to various sites in the body is reviewed. The anatomical, physiological, and pathological constraints and current progress are described. Moreover, perspectives on the therapeutic feasibility of this drug targeting system are discussed.

Amphotericin B↗

Intraoperative imaging techniques in infrainguinal arterial bypass grafting: completion angiography versus vascular endoscopy.

This prospective study was designed to establish whether vascular endoscopy would provide more information on the graft lumen than standard completion angiography during infrainguinal bypass surgery. Ninety-nine patients with 102 infragenicular bypass grafts who underwent both angiography and angioscopy intraoperatively were evaluated. In 99 of the 102 patients the indication was critical limb ischaemia. Of the 102 bypass grafts, 81 were autogenous vein. Distally, 24 grafts were anastomosed to the below-knee popliteal segment, 64 extended to the crural and 14 to the pedal arteries. On completion of the distal anastomosis, grafts were first evaluated by angiography and then by angioscopy. The images obtained with the two monitoring modalities were compared by the operating surgeon and re-explorations were performed immediately if necessary. Completion angiography and angioscopy produced images of good quality in 96 and 97 cases, respectively. In 12 cases completion angiography showed abnormalities. Of these, five were located below the distal anastomosis and were not accessible to angioscopic examination. Conduit defects were found in seven instances. In one of them angioscopy showed the angiogram to be false-positive. Of the 90 grafts with normal completion angiograms, seven were found to show significant pathology on angioscopy. Compared to angioscopy, the sensitivity and specificity of angiography to detect abnormalities within the graft was 46% and 98%, respectively. Our results suggest that vascular endoscopy is superior to angiography for disclosing conduit defects, but that it does not provide adequate information about the distal arterial anatomy.

Aged↗

Lack of pharmacokinetic interaction between vinpocetine and oxazepam.

The influence of multiple doses of vinpocetine (10 mg three times daily) on the steady state plasma concentrations of oxazepam (10 mg three times daily) was studied in 16 healthy subjects. The mean (+/- s.d.) AUC (ng ml-1h-1) of oxazepam over 24 h during combined treatment was 4716 +/- 2296 and for oxazepam treatment alone it was 4737 +/- 2448 (95% confidence intervals for ratio of means = 95.4-103.7%). The degree of plasma protein binding of oxazepam was 98.11 +/- 0.32% and was not affected by vinpocetine. Independent of vinpocentine treatment a significant diurnal change in the plasma binding of oxazepam was observed; the free drug fraction was 20% higher during the night than during the day. Cmax and AUC values based on total oxazepam in plasma were 10% lower during the night. The results indicate a lack of influence of vinpocetine on oxazepam kinetics. Diurnal changes in the plasma binding of oxazepam probably have no clinical consequences.

Adult↗

Liposomes in the treatment of infections.

The use of liposomes in the treatment of severe infections is under investigation. Classical liposomes which localize in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) can be exploited in two ways. First for targeting of macrophage modulators such as muramyl peptides or IFN-gamma, to stimulate the cells of the MPS to maximal blood clearance capacity. This enhanced nonspecific anti-infectious resistance is important as in immunocompromised patients micro-organisms frequently appear in the blood from a local infection. Secondly, classical liposomes are successfully used as carriers of antibiotics in experimental intracellular parasitic-, viral-, fungal- or bacterial infections in MPS tissues. Based on these data extensive studies in patients with severe fungal infections have demonstrated successful treatment with liposomal or lipid-complexed amphotericin B. More recently, liposomal amphotericin B appeared to be effective in patients with drug-resistant visceral leishmaniasis. For the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex infection in AIDS patients the efficacy of liposomal gentamicin is under investigation. With respect to infections in non-MPS tissues the applicability of Stealth liposomes characterized by long circulation half-lives is under investigation. Substantial localization of these liposomes in infected lung tissue of rats was demonstrated. Preliminary data in experimental bacterial lung infection showed superior efficacy of antibiotic encapsulated in Stealth liposomes.

Animals↗

A new application for liposomes in cancer therapy. Immunoliposomes bearing enzymes (immuno-enzymosomes) for site-specific activation of prodrugs.

We have tested a new type of immunoliposomes which may effectively mediate the targeting of enzymes to be used for site-specific prodrug activation (immuno-enzymosomes). The enzyme beta-glucuronidase, capable of activating the prodrug epirubicin-glucuronide (epi-glu), was coupled to the external surface of immunoliposomes directed towards ovarian cancer cells. A significant increase in cytotoxicity of the prodrug epi-glu was shown when the in vitro cultured cancer cells were pretreated with these immuno-enzymosomes.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Specific targeting with poly(ethylene glycol)-modified liposomes: coupling of homing devices to the ends of the polymeric chains combines effective target binding with long circulation times.

One possibility for bringing drugs to their specific targets is to use the drug-laden liposomes that have been made target-specific by the attachment of appropriate proteins. Such 'directed' proteoliposomes and most other particles are rapidly removed from the bloodstream, however, by the mononuclear phagocytes in the liver and spleen. This causes suboptimal drug accumulation at the target site. Coating the liposome surface with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) may prolong the circulation time of liposomes. Using plasminogen as a homing device we have shown that the PEG-modified liposomes with such a homing device coupled to the ends of the long PEG chains may combine long vesicle circulation times in the blood with high target binding capability. The PEG-coated proteoliposomes with homing devices attached at the very bilayer surface, on the contrary, are longlived but have only little or no capability to bind to their targets.

Animals↗

Dose-dependent uricosuric effect of ambroxol.

Ambroxol is known to promote bronchial secretion and is used as an expectorant. Previous studies had suggested that high doses of ambroxol could reduce the plasma uric acid concentration. The present study was undertaken to confirm this finding, to determine its dose-response relationship and to identify the underlying mechanism of action. Using a placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel group design, 48 healthy male volunteers were randomly allocated to receive placebo b.d. and ambroxol 125 mg b.d., 250 mg b.d. or 500 mg b.d. (12 subjects per group). The subjects were hospitalised during a dietary run-in period of 3 days (Days -3 to -1) and a treatment period of 5 days (Days 1 to 5). On Day -1 (baseline) and Days 1 to 5, all urine was collected and blood samples were taken for the analysis of uric acid, creatinine, xanthine and ambroxol. The measurements were repeated four days after treatment had closed. Steady state plasma concentrations of ambroxol (trough levels) were reached after 2 or 3 days and were linearly related to dose. Ambroxol induced a significant, dose-dependent, reduction in plasma uric acid (250 mg b.d. about 20%; and at 500 mg b.d. about 30%). The diurnally fluctuating uric acid clearance was dose dependently increased and there was no notable effect on creatinine clearance. Plasma hypoxanthine levels were not affected by ambroxol. No severe adverse events were reported and no drug induced changes in the clinical laboratory values were observed. It is concluded that ambroxol has an uricosuric action following oral administration of higher doses (250 mg-500 mg b.d.) and it is well tolerated.

Adult↗

Liposomes with prolonged blood circulation and selective localization in Klebsiella pneumoniae-infected lung tissue.

Studies of two types of small liposomes, differing with respect to their lipid composition in terms of bilayer fluidity, charge, and hydrophilicity of the liposomal surface, were done to evaluate their usefulness for delivery of encapsulated therapeutic agents to sites of infection. The liposomes showed substantial localization in infected lung tissue after intravenous administration. This was demonstrated in a model of unilateral Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia in rats, in which the left lung was infected but the right lung of the same animal developed no infection. The degree of localization in the infected left lung was different for the two types of liposomes. For the liposome type with the longer blood residence time, containing a surface coating of polyethylene glycol, localization in the infected left lung was dependent on the liposomal dose, correlated with the intensity of infection, and reached 9% of the injected liposomal dose in severely infected rats.

Animals↗

Enhanced localization of liposomes with prolonged blood circulation time in infected lung tissue.

In an experimental model of unilateral pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in rats we investigated whether intravenous administration of liposomes with prolonged blood circulation time resulted in significant localization of liposomes in infected lung tissue. Liposomes (100 nm) composed of hydrogenated phosphatidylinositol:hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol (molar ratio, 1:10:5) radiolabeled with gallium-67-deferoxamine showed relatively long blood circulation time. The degree of localization of these long circulating liposomes in the infected left lung was significantly higher compared to that of localization of 110 nm egg phosphatidylglycerol:egg phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol (molar ratio, 1:10:5) liposomes which exhibited relatively short blood circulation time. At 16 h after administration of the long circulating liposomes (when 10% of the injected dose was still present in the bloodstream) localization of liposomes in the infected left lung was increased up to 10-fold compared to the left lung of uninfected rats, and appeared to be highly correlated with the intensity of the infection. In the uninfected right lung the localization of long circulating liposomes was not increased. The degree of localization of liposomes in the infected tissue is dependent on the residence time of liposomes in the blood compartment. The extent of localization of long circulating liposomes in infected tissue appeared to be dependent on the liposomal dose administered.

Animals↗

In vivo targeting of OV-TL 3 immunoliposomes to ascitic ovarian carcinoma cells (OVCAR-3) in athymic nude mice.

Specific binding of immunoliposomes to target tumor cells was investigated in a xenograft model (athymic nude mice) of i.p. growing human ovarian carcinoma (OVCAR-3). For the first time, quantitative evidence is presented that attachment of a tumor-specific antibody (OV-TL 3) dramatically enhances the association of liposomes with i.p. growing OVCAR-3 cells. The OV-TL 3-mediated binding of liposomes to the OVCAR-3 cells was rapid; 30 min after i.p. injection approximately 70% of the injected dose of OV-TL 3 immunoliposomes was associated with the OVCAR-3 cells while for unconjugated liposomes a value of only approximately 3% was obtained. At 2 h after injection, a maximal binding level of 84% was achieved in case of the OV-TL 3 immunoliposomes whereas the binding level of unconjugated liposomes was still about 3%. Twenty-four h after injection about 83% of the injected dose OV-TL 3 immunoliposomes still was associated with the OVCAR-3 cells, compared to about 10% of the injected dose of unconjugated liposomes. Accordingly, unconjugated liposomes disappeared from the peritoneal cavity much faster than the OV-TL 3 immunoliposomes. By comparison with immunoliposomes bearing irrelevant antibody, the specificity of the binding of the OV-TL 3 immunoliposomes to the OVCAR-3 cells was demonstrated. In addition, it was observed that the sustained high OV-TL 3 immunoliposome levels found in the peritoneal cavity are the result of both reduced particle clearance from the peritoneal cavity and the tenacious binding of the immunoliposomes to the tumor cells. Finally, data are presented showing that the degree of binding of OV-TL 3 immunoliposomes to OVCAR-3 cells in vitro and in vivo correlates positively with the antibody (Fab') density on the liposomes.

Animals↗