In vivo targeting of acoustically reflective liposomes for intravascular and transvascular ultrasonic enhancement.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to target acoustically reflective liposomes to atherosclerotic plaques in vivo for ultrasound image enhancement. BACKGROUND: We have previously demonstrated the development of acoustically reflective liposomes that can be conjugated for site-specific acoustic enhancement. This study evaluates the ability of liposomes coupled to antibodies specific for different components of atherosclerotic plaques and thrombi to target and enhance ultrasonic images in vivo. METHODS: Liposomes were prepared with phospholipids and cholesterol using a dehydration/ rehydration method. Antibodies were thiolated for liposome conjugation with N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate resulting in a thioether linkage between the protein and the phospholipid. Liposomes were conjugated to antifibrinogen or anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (anti-ICAM-1). In a Yucatan miniswine model, atherosclerosis was developed by crush injury of one carotid and one femoral artery and ingestion of a hypercholesterolemic diet. After full plaque development the arteries were imaged (20-MHz intravascular ultrasound catheter and 7.5-MHz transvascular linear probe) after injection of saline, unconjugated liposomes and antibody conjugated liposomes. RESULTS: Conjugated liposomes retained their acoustically reflective properties and provided ultrasonic image enhancement of their targeted structures. Liposomes conjugated to antifibrinogen attached to thrombi and fibrous portions of the atheroma, whereas liposomes conjugated to anti-ICAM-1 attached to early atheroma. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that this novel acoustic agent can provide varying targeting with different antibodies with retention of intravascular and transvascular acoustic properties.

Vasodilation elicited by liposomal VIP is unimpeded by anti-VIP antibody in hamster cheek pouch.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a monoclonal anti-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) antibody, which binds VIP with high affinity and specificity and catalyzes cleavage of the peptide in vitro, attenuates VIP vasorelaxation in vivo and, if so, whether insertion of VIP on the surface of sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL), which protects the peptide from trypsin- and plasma-catalyzed cleavage in vitro, curtails this response. Using intravital microscopy, we found that suffusion of monoclonal anti-VIP antibody (clone c23.5, IgG2ak), but not of nonimmune antibody (myeloma cell line UPC10, IgG2ak) or empty SSL, significantly attenuates VIP-induced vasodilation in the in situ hamster cheek pouch (P < 0.05). By contrast, anti-VIP antibody has no significant effects on vasodilation elicited by isoproterenol, nitroglycerin, and calcium ionophore A-23187, agonists that activate intracellular effector systems in blood vessels that mediate, in part, VIP vasoreactivity. Suffusion of VIP on SSL, but not of empty SSL, restores the vasorelaxant effects of VIP in the presence of anti-VIP antibody. Collectively, these data suggest that VIP catalysis by high affinity and specific VIP autoantibodies displaying protease-like activity constitutes a novel mechanism whereby VIP vasoreactivity is regulated in vivo.

Sterically stabilized phospholipids attenuate human neutrophils chemotaxis in vitro.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) and poly(ethylene glycol)-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-DSPE) attenuate polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) chemotaxis in vitro and, if so, whether incorporation of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a pleiotropic neuropeptide, on the surface of SSL amplifies SSL-induced responses. Using a modified blind-well chamber chemotaxis assay, we found that N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP; 0.1 microM) and zymosan opsonized with purified human complement (2 x 10(9) yeast wall particles/ml) elicit significant human PMNs chemotaxis (95+/-9 and 103+/-3 cells/high power field; p<0.05). These effects are significantly attenuated by SSL and PEG-DSPE (p<0.05). By contrast, aqueous VIP and VIP on SSL have no significant effects on FMLP- and zymosan-induced responses. We conclude that certain sterically stabilized liposomes and phospholipids attenuate human PMNs chemotaxis in vitro and that VIP does not modulate this response.

Mechanisms of vasodilation elicited by VIP in sterically stabilized liposomes in vivo.

The purpose of this study was to begin to determine the mechanisms underlying vasodilation elicited by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) in the in situ peripheral microcirculation. Using intravital microscopy, we found that suffusion of VIP in SSL (0.42 and 0.85 nmol) onto the hamster cheek pouch for 1 h elicited significant and prolonged concentration-dependent vasodilation (P < 0.05). Suffusion of VIP in SSL (0.1 nmol) for 7 min elicited a qualitatively similar response, although its magnitude was significantly smaller than that elicited by 1 h of suffusion of VIP in SSL (P < 0.05). The VIP-receptor antagonist VIP-(10-28), but not the amino-terminal fragment VIP-(1-12), significantly attenuated and delayed the onset of VIP in SSL-induced vasodilation (P < 0.05). The nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), but not NG-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (D-NAME), abrogated VIP in SSL-induced responses. We conclude that VIP in SSL elicits significant and prolonged vasodilation in the in situ peripheral microcirculation, which is specific, partly receptor dependent, and partly transduced by the L-arginine/NO biosynthetic pathway.

Stabilization of teniposide in aqueous mixtures of detergent-phospholipid.

Teniposide-containing mixed micelles and liposomes consisting of detergent and phospholipid were investigated and compared for their teniposide latency as functions of the mixed micellar preparation method, stabilizers, type of detergent,lipid composition and serum proteins after storage at 10 degrees C, and 23 degrees C, and 45 degrees C or/and freezing and freeze-drying. There was no significant difference in teniposide loss from liposomes obtained using different micellar preparation methods. Sugars, dextrose or sorbitol, had no effect on teniposide loss from liposome but stabilized teniposide micelles. Glutamic acid had no effect on teniposide loss from micelles but increased the loss from liposomes. The presence of cholesterol in bile salt-egg PC micelles had little effect on teniposide loss at 10 degrees C but generally increased it at 23 degrees C, and 45 degrees C, while bile salt-egg PC-cholesterol (9:9:1) liposomes were more stable than bile salt-egg PC liposomes. In contrast, teniposide loss from bile salt-egg PC-egg PE (2:1:1) liposomes or bile salt-egg PC-egg PA (16:15:1) micelles and liposomes increased remarkably, probably due to the surface charge and/or the destabilization of PC bilayer. However, bile salt-egg PC-soy PC (2:1:1) micelles and liposomes lost less amounts of teniposide under the same storage conditions. Further, the stability of teniposide was greatly increased by neutral detergents (e.g., CHAPS or octylglucoside). The loss of teniposide from CHAPS- or octylglucoside-egg PC micelles and liposomes after six months' storage at the ambient temperature were approximately 16% and 10%, respectively. Teniposide-micelles and liposomes, prepared in the presence of serum or serum protein, were more stable than CHAPS- or octylglucoside-egg PC liposomes. Teniposide was physically stable for at least 12 months when micelles were stored as the frozen or freeze-dried state. This result suggested that long-term storage for teniposide in neutral detergent-egg PC-soy PC micelles may be feasible in the presence of serum proteins.

Encapsulation of VIP into liposomes restores vasorelaxation in hypertension in situ.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) elicits vasodilation in the in situ peripheral microcirculation of hamsters with spontaneous hypertension and whether encapsulation of VIP into liposomes modulates this response. Using intravital microscopy, we found that suffusion of VIP (0.05 and 0.1 nmol) alone over cheek pouch resistance arterioles of normotensive hamsters elicited significant vasodilation that was potentiated and prolonged by encapsulation of the peptide into liposomes (P < 0.05). By contrast, VIP (0.5 and 0.1 nmol) had no significant effects on arteriolar diameter in hamsters with spontaneous hypertension. However, encapsulation of VIP into liposomes restored its vasorelaxant effects in hypertensive animals, although the duration of vasodilation was significantly shorter in comparison with controls (P < 0.05). Empty liposomes had no significant effects on arteriolar diameter in either group. These data indicate that VIP-induced vasodilation in the peripheral microcirculation in situ is impaired in essential hypertension and that encapsulation of VIP into liposomes restores, in part, this response.

Development of inherently echogenic liposomes as an ultrasonic contrast agent.

Ultrasonic contrast agents have been developed for improved assessment of blood flow and tissue perfusion. Many of these agents are not inherently acoustically reflective (echogenic), and nearly all are not suitable for tissue specific targeting. The purpose of this study was to develop acoustically reflective liposomes, which are suitable for antibody conjugation, without using gas or any other agent entrapment. Echogenic liposomes were prepared from phosphatidylcholine (PC), phophatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and cholesterol (CH), using a dehydration/rehydration method. The formulation was optimized for higher acoustic reflectivity by varying the lipid composition. Liposomes were imaged with a 20 MHz intravascular ultrasonic imaging catheter. Echogenicity levels were expressed using pixel gray scale. The presence of PE and PG at specific concentrations improved echogenicity due to their effects on liposomal morphology as confirmed by freeze-etch electron microscopy. The acoustic reflectivity of liposomes was retained when liposomes were treated with blood at room temperature and 37 degrees C under in vitro conditions. It was demonstrated that the liposomes were also acoustically reflective in vivo after they were injected into a miniswine model. We have developed echogenic liposomes that are stable and suitable for tissue specific targeting as a novel contrast agent. This new contrast agent can be used for ultrasonic image enhancement and/or treatment of targeted pathologic sites.

Physical stability of teniposide in bile salt-egg phosphatidylcholine mixed micelles and liposomes.

Teniposide-containing bile salt-egg PC mixed micelles and their liposomes formed from dilution were investigated and compared for (i) their teniposide contents as a function of bile salt species, drug dose, the egg PC/BS molar ratio, total lipid concentration, ionic strength and storage states (freeze-thawed and freeze-dried state, and the presence of light and oxygen) and (ii) their mean particle size, stored under different conditions. The physical stability of teniposide in micelles and their liposomes increased with increasing hydrophobicity of bile salt the order being deoxycholate > cholate > conjugated cholate at all temperatures (10 degrees C, 23 degrees C, and 45 degrees C) studied. Teniposide-micelles were more stable at lower egg PC/BS molar ratios, while teniposide-liposomes were more stable at higher ratios. Teniposide stability slightly increased at higher total lipid concentration, indicating that bile salt-egg PC mixed micellar systems were in dynamic states. The presence of neither light nor oxygen significantly affected the stability of teniposide over the time and temperature range studied. However, the presence of salt in micellar and liposomal solutions greatly reduced teniposide loss by precipitation. Freezing or freeze-drying of teniposide-micelles induced neither micellar aggregation nor drug leakage. The stabilization may be due to the presence of detergent-like bile salts in the system.

Probing self assembly in biological mixed colloids by SANS, deuteration, and molecular manipulation.

Small-angle neutron scattering was used to obtain information on the form and molecular arrangement of particles in mixed colloids of bile salts with phosphatidylcholine, and bile salts with monoolein. Both types of systems showed the same general characteristics. The particle form was highly dependent on total lipid concentration. At the highest concentrations the particles were globular mixed micelles with an overall size of 50A. As the concentration was reduced the mixed micelles elongated, becoming rodlike with diameter about 50A. The rods had a radial core-shell structure in which the phosphatidylcholine or monoolein fatty tails were arranged radially to form the core with the headgroups pointing outward to form the shell. The bile salts were at the interface between the shell and core with the hydrophilic parts facing outward as part of the shell. The lengths of the rods increased and became more polydispersed with dilution. At sufficiently low concentrations the mixed micelles transformed into single bilayer vesicles. These results give insight on the physiological function of bile and on the rules governing the self assembly of bile particles in the hepatic duct and the small intestine.

Systemic toxicology and laser safety of laser targeted angiography with heat sensitive liposomes.

Angiography is currently limited by its lack of local and tissue specificity. The dye rapidly fills both the retinal and choroidal vessels and leaks out of the vessels thus hampering visualization of small vascular beds such as occult choroidal neovascularization. We have developed a method of laser targeted delivery based on encapsulating the dye in heat sensitive liposomes, administering the liposomes intravenously and causing them to release their content by noninvasively warming the target tissue with a laser pulse delivered through the pupil. The local release yields a bright fluorescent bolus which selectively highlights retinal or choroidal vessels. A preliminary investigation of the potential side effects of the method is presented. In rats the systemic toxicity of carboxyfluorescein-entrapped liposomes was compared with that of the free dye. No significant difference was found between the two. Non-human primates exposed to repeated laser targeted angiography were monitored over time and no significant side effects were observed. The safety of the laser exposures was assessed by conventional fluorescein angiography and histopathology. Choroidal laser targeted angiography was achieved without damage. Retinal laser targeted angiography was accompanied by mild and local damage in an area remote from the fovea. The study indicates that laser targeted choroidal angiography can be performed safely and holds promise for diseases such as age related macular degeneration with occult choroidal neovascularization. Further improvements are needed to ensure that no side effects accompany retinal laser targeted angiography.

A mixed micellar formulation suitable for the parenteral administration of taxol.

Taxol is a promising antitumor agent with poor water solubility. Intravenous administration of a current taxol formulation in a non-aqueous vehicle containing Cremophor EL may cause allergic reactions and precipitation upon aqueous dilution. In this study a novel approach to formulate taxol in aqueous medium for i.v. delivery is described. The drug is solubilized in bile salt (BS)/phospholipid (PC) mixed micelles. The solubilization potential of the mixed micelles increased as the total lipid concentration and the molar ratio of PC/BS increased. Precipitation of the drug upon dilution was avoided by the spontaneous formation of drug-loaded liposomes from mixed micelles. The formulation can be stored in a freeze-dried form as mixed micelles to achieve optimum stability, and liposomes can be prepared by simple dilution just before administration. As judged by a panel of cultured cell lines, the cytotoxic activity of taxol was retained when formulated as a mixed-micellar solution. Further, for the same solubilization potential, the mixed-micellar vehicle appeared to be less toxic than the standard nonaqueous vehicle of taxol containing Cremophor EL.

Mixed micelles as proliposomes for the solubilization of teniposide.

The aqueous solubility of teniposide in detergent and phospholipid mixed micelles was investigated as functions of the detergents and lipids composing the mixed micelles, the molar ratio of detergent to phospholipid, and the total lipid concentration of the system. The polarity, the charge of the phospholipid, and its saturation affected the solubilization potential of the micelles. Physical chemical factors such as the pH, ionic strength, and temperature of the dispersion medium also altered the solubilization capacity of the system. The results are explained by the changes occurring in the critical micelle concentration and packing arrangements of the aggregates. The desired solubility of teniposide can be achieved by adjusting the studied parameters to the optimum values. Teniposide-containing mixed micelles were spontaneously converted to drug-containing vesicles upon aqueous dilution; therefore, the precipitation of the drug was totally eliminated. In conclusion, mixed micelles as proliposomes can be a suitable drug carrier system for insoluble compounds such as teniposide.