COMPARISON OF THE LEISHMANICIDAL ACTIVITY OF FUNGIZONE, LIPOSOMAL AMBAND AMPHOTERICIN-B INCORPORATED INTO EGG LECITHIN BILE-SALT MIXED MICELLES

We compared leishmanicidal activity of five formulations of amphoteric in B (AmB). AmB used as Fungizone immediately caused cell lysis, at lo wer concentrations partial, and at higher concentrations total; the no n-lysed cells reassuming growth. AmB formulated with egg-lecithin and bile salt at doses equivalent to those of Fungizone was not active, wh ereas at higher doses it resulted in a delayed but complete inhibition of cell growth. The activity of liposomal AmB was comparable to that of Fungizone. The time of initial leishmanicidal activity of the five formulations tested can be ascribed to the rate of free, monomeric AmB delivered. Features that are characteristic of the anticellular effec t of AmB formulated with egg lecithin and bile salts, a delay in activ ity, a requirement for higher concentration and total inhibition of ce ll growth, were also noted.