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Brief Report

Nitric oxide nanoparticles

Pre-clinical utility as a therapeutic for intramuscular abscesses

, , , , , , , & show all
Pages 62-67 | Received 27 Sep 2011, Accepted 21 Nov 2011, Published online: 01 Jan 2012
 

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical component of host defense against invading pathogens; however, its therapeutic utility is limited due to a lack of practical delivery systems. Recently, a NO-releasing nanoparticulate platform (NO-np) was shown to have in vitro broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and in vivo pre-clinical efficacy in a dermal abscess model. To extend these findings, both topical (TP) and intralesional (IL) NO-np administration was evaluated in a MRSA intramuscular murine abscess model and compared with vancomycin. All treatment arms accelerated abscess clearance clinically, histologically, and by microbiological assays on both days 4 and 7 following infection. However, abscesses treated with NO-np via either route demonstrated a more substantial, statistically significant decrease in bacterial survival based on colony forming unit assays and histologically revealed less inflammatory cell infiltration and preserved muscular architecture. These data suggest that the NO-np may be an effective addition to our armament for deep soft tissue infections.

Declaration of Potential Conflicts of Interest

A.J.F, J.M.F, and J.D.N. report serving on the scientific advisory board of Makefield Therapeutics, Inc.

Acknowledgments

A.J.F gratefully acknowledges support by the Dermatology Foundation and Centocor Ortho Biotech. L.R.M. gratefully acknowledges support from Long Island University.