Evaluation of carboxymethylpullulan as a novel carrier for targeting immune tissues.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To demonstrate the potential of carboxymethylpullulan (CMPul) as a carrier for targeting immune tissues, and to find whether immune tissues could be set as the target of an immunosuppressant to treat autoimmune diseases.

METHODS:

The biodistribution of CMPul was investigated to evaluate its potency as a carrier for targeting immune tissues. Furthermore, an immunosuppressant-CMPul conjugate was prepared and its suppressive effect on rat adjuvant arthritis was examined.

RESULTS:

The disappearance rate of 3H-labeled CMPul from the blood circulation was much slower than that of 3H-labeled pullulan (Pul) after intravenous injection to normal rats. The concentration of 3H-labeled CMPul in the spleen and lymph nodes was much higher than that of 3H-labeled Pul at 24 hours after the injection, whereas the concentration of 3H-labeled CMPul in the liver was significantly lower than that of 3H-labeled Pul. A similar targeting property of 3H-labeled CMPul for these immune tissues was observed in arthritic rats. A conjugate composed of a novel immunosuppressant PA-48153C and CMPul showed a suppressive effect on rat adjuvant arthritis judging from a reduction of the arthritic index and spleen weight and an increase of body weight.

CONCLUSIONS:

CMPul is expected to be a promising carrier for targeting immune tissues with an immunosuppressant to enable treatment of autoimmune diseases.

• Authors: K Masuda, M Sakagami, K Horie, H Nogusa, H Hamana, K Hirano
• Journal: Pharmaceutical research (Pharm Res) Vol. 18 Issue 2 Pg. 217-23 (Feb 2001) ISSN: 0724-8741 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11405294 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Drug Carriers
• Glucans
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Pyrones
• carboxymethylpullulan
• pironetin

Topics

• Animals
• Arthritis, Experimental (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Autoimmune Diseases (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Drug Carriers
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Female
• Glucans (chemistry, pharmacokinetics)
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage, chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Pyrones (administration & dosage, chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Lew
• Tissue Distribution