Liposome-encapsulated amphotericin B in the treatment of experimental murine candidiasis.

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Abstract
MIYAZAKI, T., KOHNO, S., KAKU, M., KOGA, H. and YAMAGUCHI, K. Liposome-Encapsulated Amphotericin B in the Treatment of Experimental Murine Candidiasis. Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 1990, 161 (4), 273-281-The efficacy of liposome-encapsulated amphotericin B in treating experimental murine candidiasis was compared with that of the commercially available amphotericin B (Fungizone®). The LD50 of liposomal amphotericin B in ddY mice exceeded 10.0mg/kg while that of Fungizone® was 3.0mg/kg. Experimental candidiasis was induced by injecting a clinical isolate of Candida albicans strain 0925-107-01, through the tail vein. With the injection of 1.7×106 colony forming units, the number of colonies in the kidneys remained between 2.1×105 and 1.2×106, whereas the number of colonies in blood, liver, spleen, lungs and heart decreased rapidly. Histological examination revealed severe pyelonephritis with fungal infiltration and a mild invasion of the heart, lungs, liver and spleen. The survival rate of mice with experimental candidiasis treated with Fungizone® at a dose of 0.8mg/kg was 50% (the maximum tolerated dose without acute lethality), whereas all mice treated with the liposomal amphotericin B at a dose of 5.0mg/kg were alive even 42 days after the inoculation (p<0.01). Using liposome as a carrier for amphotericin B decreased this drug's systemic toxicity making it possible to administer doses higher than feasible with the commercial preparation and thus obtaining better therapeutic efficacy.