TOXICITY OF SPHINGOMYELIN-CONTAINING LIPOSOMES AFTER CHRONIC INJECTION INTO MICE

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 64  (6) , 670-676
Abstract
Chronic treatment (10 i.p. injections over 20 days) of Balb/c mice with SM [sphingomyelin] liposomes led to 50 and 300% enlargement of the liver and spleen, respectively. No effect was observed after similar treatment with PC [phosphatidylcholine] liposomes. Biochemical analysis of the enlarged tissues showed no significant changes in the concentrations of glycolipid, phospholipid and certain hydrolytic enzymes. The increase in tissue size was paralleled by an increase in protein content. Light microscopy and EM studies of the enlarged tissues revealed an increase in the number of Kupffer cells, and collections of inflammatory cells in the liver and widespread granulomatous inflammation in the spleen. SM liposomes, although probably toxic for use as a drug carrier, may serve as a model agent in the study of tissue granulomatous inflammation.