Non-Michaelis–Menten Type Hepatic Uptake of Liposomes in the Rat

Suppression of Phagocytic Activity Leads to the Efficient Surface Modification of Macrophages with Liposomes for Developing a Biomimetic Drug Delivery System

Macrophages selectively infiltrate the lesion sites of several diseases, including cancers, and, thus, have attracted attention as a biomimetic drug delivery carrier. To achieve the efficient drug loading of macrophages with minimal cytotoxicity, drugs are preferably encapsulated into nanoparticles, such as liposomes, and modified on the surface of macrophages rather than being incorporated into cells. However, liposomes are rapidly taken up by macrophages after binding to the cell surface because of their strong phagocytic activity. To overcome this, we herein attempted to modify the surface of macrophages with liposomes by suppressing their phagocytic activity using a pretreatment with anionic liposomes. We confirmed that 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) (DSPG)- and cholesterol-rich anionic liposomes were efficiently taken up by RAW264.7 murine macrophage-like cells. Furthermore, the cellular uptake of anionic liposomes by RAW264.7 cells was higher in the absence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) than in its presence. Moreover, the viability of RAW264.7 cells was maintained above 90% when cells were incubated with anionic liposomes for 3 h, whereas viability was markedly decreased after a 24-h incubation. Based on these results, we pretreated RAW264.7 cells by an incubation with DSPG- and cholesterol-rich liposomes for 3 h in the absence of FBS. This pretreatment significantly inhibited the internalization of other liposomes, which subsequently bound to the cell surface. Therefore, we succeeded in modifying the surface of macrophages with liposomes, and liposome-modified macrophages have potential as a biomimetic active drug delivery carrier.

Pharmacokinetic Analysis of the Tissue Distribution of Octaarginine Modified Liposomes in Mice

We recently found that octaarginine modified liposomes (R8-Lip) can be efficiently internalized by cultured cells. The purpose of the present study was to quantitatively determine the effect of R8-density on the tissue distribution of R8-Lip in mice, using their clearance as an index. R8 was introduced in the form of stearylated R8 (STR-R8). The liposomes were composed of cholesterol and egg phosphatidylcholine and were labeled with [(3)H]cholesteryl hexadecyl ether. Various densities of R8 (3%, 10% and 30%) containing liposomes were prepared with a diameter of approximately 70-80 nm. The tissue distribution of R8-Lip was determined after their i.v. administration into mice and the effect of R8-density on tissue distribution was compared with uptake clearance, the calculated tissue distribution divided by the area under the blood concentration-time course. As results, R8-Lip were more rapidly eliminated from circulating blood and distributed to many tissues, especially liver depending on the R8-density. However, the tissue uptake clearance represented similar value to that of positively charge liposomes. Based on these results, we conclude that the R8-dependent increase in R8-Lip in various tissues tested indicates that positive charge, but not PTD function derived from R8 predominantly responsible for the enhancement of tissue distribution. Therefore, it is suggested that topology control of R8 is important to exhibit the PTD function.

Factors governing the in vivo tissue uptake of transferrin-coupled polyethylene glycol liposomes in vivo

Liposomes, coated with transferrin (Tf)-coupled polyethylene glycol are considered to be potent carriers for drug delivery to various organs via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Since Tf receptors were ubiquitously expressed in various organs, additional perturbation of the liposomes such as regulation of the size may be required to exhibit the tissue selectivity. In the present study, the effect of size on the uptake of transferrin-coupled polyethylene glycol liposomes (Tf-PEG-L) to various organs was investigated. In liver and brain, Tf-dependent uptake was found to be dependent on the size of the liposomes used. In small liposomes with a diameter of 60-80 nm, Tf-PEG-L was taken up to these organs more efficiently than PEG-L. This Tf-dependent uptake for small liposomes decreased by the high dose administration, suggested that Tf-PEG-L is taken up via Tf receptor-mediated endocytosis even under the physiological condition, in which plasma concentration of endogenous Tf remains high. On the other hand, Tf receptor-mediated uptake was also observed in the heart, but size-dependency was not observed in this case. Collectively, these results indicate that size dependency in the uptake of Tf-PEG-L is tissue-dependent and therefore, controlling the size of Tf-PEG-L may be useful for the success of tissue targeting.

Development and in vitro characterisation of a benznidazole liposomal formulation

The purpose of this study was to find a multilamellar liposomal formulation for the antichagasic drug Benznidazole (BNZ). Different lipid matrices and organic solvents for BNZ were tested in order to obtain the liposomes with the highest g BNZ/100 g total lipid (D/TL) ratio. The best lipid matrices resulted from hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine from soybean (HSPC): Cholesterol (Chol): distearoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (DSPG) (molar ratio 2:2:1) prepared with BNZ dissolved in DMSO. Drug loading of 2 g BNZ/100 g total lipids at a total lipid concentration of 20-30 mM was obtained. Two in vitro assays on the HSPC:Chol:DSPG formulation to predict its in vivo behaviour were performed. In the first experiments, after 60 min at 1-450-fold dilution in buffer at 37 degrees C, the amount of drug associated to liposomes was reduced from 2 to 0.25 g BNZ/100 g total lipids at a rate of 65% (drug lost) min(-1) at the first minute followed by 0.4% (drug lost) min(-1) during the next hour. When incubated in plasma at 37 degrees C, the HSPC:Chol:DSPG formulations bounded a high amount of plasma proteins: r=2400 microg plasma protein per micromol total lipid.

The complement system enhances the clearance of phosphatidylserine (PS)-liposomes in rat and guinea pig

In this study, we investigated the contribution of the complement system to the biodistribution of phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing liposomes in rat and guinea pig. It appeared that the inclusion of PS in the liposome formulation accelerates the rate of liposome uptake by liver, resulting in rapid elimination of the liposomes from blood circulation. Pretreatment with K76COOH (K76), an anti-complement agent, decreased the rapid uptake of PS-containing liposomes by guinea pig liver, resulting in increasing blood concentration of the liposomes. Significant complement-dependent liposome destabilization was observed in vitro in both animals, whereas the complement-dependent destabilization in vivo was likely only a part of the process of the clearance of the PS-containing liposomes. This discrepancy suggests that the rate of complement-dependent liposome uptake by liver is much faster than the rate of complement-dependent liposome destabilization in vivo. Pretreatment of K76 dramatically inhibited the binding of C3 fragments, one of dominant opsonins, to PS-containing liposomes in guinea pig under both in vivo and in vitro conditions. This finding suggests that the C3 fragments in the system are responsible for the clearance of the PS-containing liposomes in guinea pig. In rat, in contrast to guinea pig, in vivo binding of C3 fragments was not inhibited by K76-pretreatment, while in vitro binding was inhibited. This discrepancy may be due to different experimental conditions between in vitro and in vivo assay. Nevertheless, based on the observations in this study, the complement components are most likely involved in the clearance of the PS-containing liposomes in rat. Taken together, the activity of PS in enhancing the liposome clearance appears to be mediated by the complement components, presumably C3 fragments, in both guinea pig and rat. This is a first report showing the mechanism on the hepatic uptake of the PS-containing liposomes in guinea pig.

Effective irinotecan (CPT-11)-containing liposomes: intraliposomal conversion to the active metabolite SN-38

Irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) is a prodrug of SN-38, which is an active metabolite with antitumor activity and side toxicity. The activities of CPT-11 and SN-38 depend on the closed lactone ring form of SN-38. We have examined the tissue distributions of the closed and open forms of CPT-11 and SN-38 in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice after the administration of liposomal CPT-11 (S-Lip) and polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-modified S-Lip (S-PEG). The plasma concentrations of closed CPT-11 and SN-38 were increased by liposomalization, and their blood circulation was prolonged by the PEG modification. The concentrations of closed CPT-11 and SN-38 in tumors were elevated by both the liposomalization and PEG modification. The closed/total ratio of SN-38 in the tumors of the S-PEG group was greater than that of the CPT-11 solution (Sol) group. Thus, SN-38 was thought to be generated in intact liposomes containing CPT-11. The bile concentration of closed SN-38, which is responsible for CPT-11-induced intestinal disorder, was decreased by liposomalization. In an in vitro experiment, the SN-38/CPT-11 ratio in the tumor cells of the S-Lip group was found to be higher than that of the Sol group, and the ratio of the closed form of SN-38 was increased by the liposomalization. Laser scanning confocal microscopy showed the generation of SN-38 in the liposomal membrane after the incubation of S-Lip with carboxylesterase. It is therefore considered that a part of CPT-11 is converted to SN-38 in the intact liposomes.

Structural and metabolic consequences of liposome-lipoprotein interactions

The two major proposed uses for liposomes, i.e., drug delivery and mobilization of peripheral deposits of cholesterol, each impose requirements and restrictions on liposomal structure, particularly as it affects interactions with lipoproteins. This chapter focuses on the role of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in (1) disrupting membrane structure and causing the leakage of liposomal contents by inducing disc formation and (2) marking liposomes for whole-particle uptake by receptors involved in lipoprotein metabolism. Control of membrane stability and whole-particle half-life can be achieved by several strategies, such as membrane stiffening, shielding the membrane surface, and increasing the dose or predosing with "empty" liposomes. The rationales and applicabilities of these strategies are discussed in the contexts of liposomes as drug delivery vehicles and as antiatherogenic particles. Directions for further basic and applied research are also presented.

Mechanism of initial distribution of blood-borne colon carcinoma cells in the liver

BACKGROUND/AIMS/METHODS

The distribution characteristics of a human colon carcinoma cell line, KM12-HX cells, were examined. After intraportal vein (i.p.v.) or intravenous (i.v.) injection into rats, almost all the injected tumor cells are distributed to liver or lung, respectively, both after 30 s and 30 min. Our previous kinetic analysis of the fate of tumor cells revealed that the cumulative amount of tumor cells distributed in the liver is a factor determining the degree of metastasis. Thus, we examined the mechanism of initial efficient trapping of tumor cells by the liver in more detail.

RESULTS

Thirty minutes after tumor cells were injected into the left ventricle of the heart, the distribution of tumor cells was more restricted in several tissues (kidney, small intestine, large intestine and spleen), as compared with the distribution of microspheres undergoing 100% extraction, indicating that the first-pass extraction of KM12-HX cells is incomplete in these organs. The hepatic first-pass distribution of these tumor cells was unaffected by pretreatment of liposomes, such that the preinjected amount was sufficient to saturate the phagocytotic function of macrophages. Thus, the mechanism of initial distribution of the tumor cells to the liver is different from the mechanism of liposome uptake by macrophages. Considering that the diameter of microvessels in sinusoid and KM12-HX cells is approximately 7 and 12 microm, respectively, it is possible that these tumor cells are trapped physically in hepatic microvessels. In fact, after i.p.v. injection of microspheres 5 microm in diameter, only 20% of the dose was distributed to liver and the rest to other tissues. In contrast, almost 100% of microspheres 10 microm in diameter were distributed to the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the hypothesis that the initial organ distribution of blood-borne tumor cells is determined by mechanical and physical properties of the cells.

Synergistic effect between size and cholesterol content in the enhanced hepatic uptake clearance of liposomes through complement activation in rats

PURPOSE

The effect of liposome size and cholesterol (CH) content on the pharmacokinetics of liposomes was investigated in rats.

METHODS

The pharmacokinetics of liposomes was examined using 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (CF) as an aqueous phase marker. The extent of complement activation (ECA) was also measured by the release of CF from liposomes in serum.

RESULTS

Both the size and the CH content influenced the mean residence time, total body clearance, and the hepatic uptake clearance (CLh) of liposomes. The increase of the size of liposomes increased the CLh at each CH content. There was no CH dependency of CLh in small liposomes (200 nm in diameter), although the CLh increased with the increase in the CH content in large (800 nm) and medium (400 nm) liposomes. A significant interaction effect was observed between liposome size and the CH content on CLh according to the analysis of variance. The good correlation between CLh and ECA indicated the role of complements as opsonins in enhancing the hepatic uptake of liposomes. The interaction effect between the size and CH content on CLh was explained principally by the product of the size and CH content.

CONCLUSIONS

A synergistic effect was observed between the size and the CH content on CLh. An underlying hypothesis of the synergistic effect was postulated based on the size dependent recognition of liposomes by complement system.

Pharmaceutical and biological properties of doxorubicin encapsulated in liposomes (L-ADM): the effect of repeated administration on the systemic phagocytic activity and pharmacokinetics

We investigated the biodistribution and antitumour activity of doxorubicin (ADM) encapsulated in liposomes (L-ADM) after two administrations in tumour bearing mice. The effect of the first administration on phagocytic activity was also examined. The biodistribution of L-ADM after the second dosing at an interval of 4d was remarkably different from that after the first. The concentration of ADM in plasma and tumour after the second injection was higher, but that in the liver was lower than after the first administration. This decrease in distribution to the liver is thought to have contributed to the difference in the biodistribution characteristics of L-ADM. With regard to antitumour effect, the activity was similar between L-ADM and a solution of ADM (F-ADM). To investigate the effect of the first administration of L-ADM on biodistribution, systemic phagocytic activity was measured after the injection of F-ADM, L-ADM, or 'empty' liposomes not containing ADM. F-ADM and L-ADM (7.5 mg ADM/kg body weight) reduced phagocytic activity to approximately 50% and 30% of control, respectively. This finding suggests that entrapment of ADM in liposomes enhances both the distribution of the drug to the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and its suppressive effect on RES activity. These results indicate that the decrease in RES activity by L-ADM must be considered in estimation of the pharmacokinetics, antitumour activity, and toxicity of L-ADM in clinical use when given by repeat administration or used in combination with other antitumour agents.

Distribution of liposomes containing mannobiose esters of fatty acid in rats

The biodistribution of liposomes modified by mannobiose residues was studied in rat. The purpose of the modification was to target the liposomes to macrophages. Mannobiose mono arachidic acid esters (MAEs) were synthesized and used to modify the surface of liposomes. It was shown by gel permeation chromatography that the MAE was preferentially incorporated into the membrane of the liposomes. After intravenous administration, mannobiose-modified liposomes were eliminated from the systemic circulation more rapidly than control liposomes without the modification. Whilst the modification did not affect the distribution of liposomes to kidney, lung, or thymus, it increased the distribution to liver and spleen. The uptake in the hepatic parenchymal cell fraction was not influenced by MAE incorporation. Taking into account the fact that endothelial cells do not take up particles whose size is > 100 nm, the increase in the distribution to liver were ascribed to an increase in uptake by Kupffer cells. These results suggest that mannobiose mono fatty acid esters are useful in the targeting of liposomes to Kupffer cells and other macrophages.

Kinetic modelling of liposome degradation in peritoneal macrophages

The objective of this study was to quantify and model the degradation process of liposomes in peritoneal macrophages (PMs). Iodinated albumin (125I-alb) was chosen to be the marker of liposome degradation. The time course of the degradation of free 125I-alb after pinocytosis by PMs followed first-order kinetics with a half-life of 23 min. The degradation of liposomally encapsulated 125I-alb was also quantified. Kinetic modelling of liposome degradation indicated the existence of two kinetically different processes, one with a half-life of 13 min and the other with a half-life of 7.5 h. Comparing the degradation of liposomal and free 125I-alb suggested that 125I-alb was delivered to lysosomes much faster through phagocytosis than pinocytosis. These results indicate that the intracellular degradation kinetics of pinosomes and phagosomes is different. This method can quantify the rate and extent of liposomal degradation in macrophages and provide kinetic information on the intracellular destiny of liposomally encapsulated compounds.

Size dependent liposome degradation in blood: in vivo/in vitro correlation by kinetic modeling

The degradation of liposomes in blood circulation is important in regulating the releasing rate of encapsulated compounds. In this study, the effect of liposome size--one of the principal determining factors in liposome disposition--on their degradation in serum/blood was evaluated quantitatively both in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro study, the time courses of the degradation of liposomes in fresh rat serum were measured continuously using 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (CF) as an aqueous phase marker and were described by the kinetic model with the lag time (tau), first order degradation rate constant (k), and the maximum degradation (alpha). Both k and alpha increased with the increase of liposome size, which indicated a higher affinity of larger liposomes for complement activation. In the in vivo study, the degradation of liposomes was evaluated sensitively by a first order degradation rate constant (kd) in blood circulation. The kd was obtained by kinetically modeling the liposome degradation in vivo using 3H-inulin as an aqueous phase marker. The size dependent kd correlated well with the hepatic uptake clearance, which suggests an underlying complement activation mechanism common to both degradation and hepatic uptake of liposomes. There was a good correlation in the degradation rate constant between in vitro and in vivo trials. These kinetic analyses validate the quantitative evaluation of liposome degradation in blood circulation and provide a useful way to predict the degradation of liposomes in vivo from in vitro experiments.

Kinetic analysis of tissue distribution of doxorubicin incorporated in liposomes in rats (II)

The objective of this study is to perform kinetic modelling of the tissue distribution of doxorubicin encapsulated into liposomes (L-DXR), especially to the heart and liver. The release process of doxorubicin (DXR) from liposomes in blood was quantified by a release clearance. This parameter defines a release rate of DXR based on the concentration of L-DXR in blood and was estimated from kinetic modelling of DXR distribution to the heart after L-DXR administration. The distribution of free DXR to the heart was modelled separately. The experimental data for this modelling were reported previously (Harashima et al., Biopharm. Drug. Disposit., 13, 155-170 (1992)). This analysis provided a free DXR concentration profile as well as a release clearance of DXR after L-DXR administration. There was a remarkable difference in the free DXR concentration in blood between free and liposomal administration. The area under the DXR curve in the heart was reduced by approximately one third from that for the first two hours after DXR administration by liposomal encapsulation, which could be the reason for reduced cardiac toxicity. In our previous report, the distribution of L-DXR to the liver was shown to be explained by a sequentially linked two-compartment model with efflux process. The validity of this efflux model was examined in this study by a repeated dose study. The apparent uptake clearance decreased with time and showed a second peak after the repeated dose, which justified the efflux model. These kinetic analyses give quantitative understanding of the effect of liposomal encapsulation on the tissue distribution of DXR.

Rates of systemic degradation and reticuloendothelial system (RES) uptake of thermosensitive liposome encapsulating cisplatin in rats

The systemic degradation and reticuloendothelial system (RES) uptake of cisplatin (CDDP)-encapsulated thermosensitive liposomes composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) (DPPC/DSPC = 9/1, 7/3, and 5/5, w/w) after intravenous administration to rats were examined by measuring the platinum (Pt) levels in the blood and RES (liver and spleen). The blood liposome level profile showed first-order rate elimination for each liposome administration. The elimination rate (Kel) was faster when the content of DSPC was lower (Kel: 1.3/hr for 9/1-liposomes, 0.7/hr for 7/3-liposomes, 0.5/hr for 5/5-liposomes). On the other hand, the RES liposome level profile showed distribution of liposomes followed by elimination therefrom. The RES level of the liposomes was lower when the content of DSPC was smaller (maximal level: 25% for 9/1-liposomes at 1 hr, 32% for 7/3-liposomes at 1 hr, 37% for 5/5-liposomes at 2 hr). The kinetic analysis demonstrated that the RES uptake rate (Kres) was almost the same among the liposomes (0.4/hr), while the systemic degradation rate (Kdeg; Kel-Kres) became larger as the content of DSPC decreased (0.9/hr for 9/1-liposomes, 0.3/hr for 7/3-liposomes, and 0.1/hr for 5/5-liposomes) and that the RES liposome distribution amount was dependent not only on the Kres but also on the Kdeg and the rate of RES liposome degradation. The Kdeg for each type of liposome corresponded with the systemic CDDP release rate.

Kinetic analysis of AUC-dependent saturable clearance of liposomes: mathematical description of AUC dependency

The objective of this study was to examine the AUC dependency of saturable hepatic clearance (CLh) of liposomes and to postulate a mathematical model to describe the characteristics. The AUC dependency of saturable CLh was examined under intravenous rapid administration at various doses. The CLh increased with increasing blood concentration but decreased with the increase of AUC at each dose. In addition, the relationship between AUC and CLh was consistent with that observed in previously reported infusion studies. These experimental data confirm the AUC dependency of saturable CLh of liposomes. A mathematical model was developed for this AUC dependency. The decrease of CLh was described by the uptake amount (X) as follows: CLh = CLm(1-X/Xm), where CLm and Xm represent the maximum uptake clearance and the maximum uptake amount, respectively. The rate equation for uptake was analytically solved as CLh = X/AUC = Xm/AUC(1-exp(CLm/XmAUC)). Uptake clearance can be described by CLm, Xm, and AUC, and so uptake clearance is constant if AUC is constant. These experimental analyses and theoretical considerations show the validity of the AUC-dependent saturable CLh of liposomes.

Distinction between the depletion of opsonins and the saturation of uptake in the dose-dependent hepatic uptake of liposomes

Opsonins play a role in the hepatic uptake of particles such as bacteria, lipid emulsion, and liposomes. The objective of this study was to distinguish between opsonin depletion and uptake saturation in the dose-dependent hepatic uptake of liposomes. The uptake of opsonized and unopsonized liposomes was determined in the isolated perfused liver. Serum (2.9 mL) was required to opsonize 1 mumol liposomes fully, indicating that a rat (250 g with 10 mL of serum) can opsonize 3.5 mumol liposomes. Next the dose effect on hepatic uptake of opsonized and unopsonized liposomes was examined. Saturation of uptake was found only for the opsonized liposomes. On the other hand, the hepatic uptake clearance decreased dose dependently from 4.31 to 0.79 (mL/min), with increasing doses from 0.075 to 17 mumol/250 g, respectively, after i.v. administration. Thus, the decrease in the hepatic uptake clearance at the medium dose was due to the saturation of uptake alone, and at the high dose it was due to opsonin depletion as well. These results show that the saturation of liposomal uptake in the liver and the depletion of opsonins occurred at different liposome dosage levels.