Effects of Polylactic acid Microcapsules Containing Prostaglandin E₂ on the Survival Rates of Grade II Coma Galactosamine Induced Fulminant Hepatic Failure Rats

Abstract

Prostaglandin E₂ was successfully incorporated into low molecular weight polylactic acid microcapsules. The size distribution of the microcapsules ranges from 20 to 50 micron. The microcapsules released drug continuously up to three days in vitro. The galactosamine induced fulminant hepatic failure rats model was used. 36 hours after the injection of galactosamine, those rats in grade II coma were chosen and pairs were matched for comparable degree of coma. Then each of the pair was randomly selected as control or treated. Each rat in the treated group received an intraperitoneal injection of PGE2 microcapsules containing 0.55mg of PGE₂. The control received blank PLA microcapsules only. The survival rate of the treated group was 40% compared to 10% in the control group. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the survival rate in the treated group.

Key Words:

• Polylactic acid
• microcapsules
• artificial cells
• hepatic coma
• fulminant hepatic failure
• liver failure
• prostaglandin E₂
• control drug release system
• hormone
• blood brain barrier
• artificial cells