Interleukin-2 was entrapped in liposomes (Lip-IL-2) and injected into rats. The intraperitoneal injection of Lip-IL-2 into rats bearing an ascites-forming rat hepatoma (AH-66) significantly increased the survival time when compared with rats administered free IL-2 or saline-containing liposomes. The number of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) increased markedly after intraperitoneal injection of Lip-IL-2 and consisted mainly of macrophages. The level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and the intensity of free radicals increased in the ascites at 48 hrs after Lip-IL-2 administration, whereas TNF-alpha was not detected and the intensity of free radicals did not increase after free IL-2 administration. Our findings suggested that entrapment of IL-2 into liposomes enhanced its potential for cancer therapy, presumably by activating macrophages to produce TNF-alpha and free radicals.
Liposomes are useful drug carriers. In this study, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was entrapped in liposomes (Lip-ATP). Anesthetized rats were given Lip-ATP (5 mg/kg as ATP), free ATP (5 mg/kg) or saline (control group) during stabilization. Then, the rats were exposed to 30 min of hypovolemic shock and 30 min of reperfusion. Administration of Lip-ATP significantly improved hepatic blood flow during shock (13.2 +/- 1.7 ml/min/100 g tissue in the Lip-ATP group vs. 9.4 +/- 2.2, in the control group, and 8.9 +/- 2.9 in the free ATP group) and during reperfusion (20.9 +/- 2.3, 16.3 +/- 2.2, and 16.2 +/- 1.8 ml/min/100 g tissue, respectively). The serum levels of hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST and LDH) were significantly lower in the Lip-ATP group after reperfusion when compared with the control and free ATP groups. Administration of Lip-ATP also produced the best recovery of hepatic ATP level. These findings indicate that Lip-ATP increased hepatic blood flow during shock and reperfusion, presumably by improving the energy charge and metabolism of the hepatocytes. Thus, Lip-ATP appears to be a useful agent for liver injury induced by hypovolemic shock.
Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour in infancy is rare, mainly benign with little tendency to recur after excision or effective curettage. This pigmented neoplasm of neural crest origin occurring in infants before 1 year of age. The most common site of occurrence is the anterior maxillary alveolar ridge (70%), following by the skull, brain and mandible. The genital organ is the most frequent extra cranial site. We report a 6 months old male baby with a similar tumour arising from right half of cheek involving the maxilla. We diagnosed the case after histological report. We remove the tumour through a sub-labial incision. The mass was blackish in colour, and was mobilized from all side including from the maxillary sinuses. The author thought that this should be reported for improving the clinical awareness and treatment of pigmented soft tissue mass in children. Almost one year follow up of the patients showed no recurrence.
