Study of pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of liposomal brucine for dermal administration

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of liposomal brucine (LB) for dermal application.

Methods

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution were studied by in vivo animal testing. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect the concentration of brucine in rats’ skin, plasma and various tissues.

Results

After dermal administration, LB was absorbed rapidly in the skin and could be detected after 0.5 hours. After 36 hours, levels were too low to be detected. In plasma, levels were also too low to be detected after 36 hours. The concentration of LB reached 50% of the maximum in all tissues except the brain, peaking after 1.5 hours but still detectable after 12 hours.

Conclusion

The concentration of LB was high in skin at the application site. LB was quickly absorbed into tissues through the blood circulation and widely distributed throughout the whole body. There was no obvious toxicity and LB did not readily accumulate in tissues and organs. It showed local potency but low overall systemic toxicity.

Keywords:

• liposomal brucine
• dermal administration
• pharmacokinetics
• tissue distribution

Acknowledgements

Project supported by Shanghai Nanotechnology Special Foundation (No 0352nm115 and No 0552nm007).

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest with this work.