In vitro cytotoxicity of liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin: dependence on liposome composition and drug release.
We have investigated the in vitro cytotoxicity of free doxorubicin (DOX) and liposome-entrapped DOX (L-DOX) against a human ovarian carcinoma cell line (OV-1063) using a colorimetric assay. DOX was encapsulated in the inner water phase of liposomes by an ammonium sulfate-generated proton gradient. Liposomes varied in phospholipid composition but were of a similar size. It was found that the cytotoxic activity of L-DOX is substantially decreased when liposomes containing phospholipids of high phase-transition temperature (Tm) are used. The type of negatively charged headgroup did not have any significant influence on the cytotoxicity observed. Experiments using resin beads that bind free and protein-bound DOX, but do not interact with L-DOX, indicated that the cytotoxic effect is mediated by the release of drug from the liposomes into the extracellular medium; no evidence was found for direct cellular uptake of liposome-encapsulated drug. The use of the ionophore nigericin to induce the release of DOX from high-Tm liposomes increased cytotoxicity to a level comparable to free DOX, suggesting that 'remote release' techniques may substantially improve the efficiency of liposome-mediated drug delivery and allow for the full exploitation of the favorable pharmacokinetic properties of specific high-Tm formulations.
Horowitz
A T
AT
Department of Oncology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Barenholz
Y
Y
Gabizon
A A
AA
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry; D009550:Nigericin / Q000494:pharmacology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D008081:Liposomes; D004317:Doxorubicin; D009550:Nigericin