POLYSACCHARIDE-COATED LIPOSOMAL AMPHOTERICIN-B FOR THE TREATMENT OF MURINE PULMONARY CANDIDIASIS

Amylopectin-coated liposomal amphotericin B was investigated in a muri ne model of pulmonary candidiasis. The LD50 of amylopectin-coated lipo somal amphotericin B in normal mice was more than 10.0 mg/kg, and that of conventional amphotericin B was 1.2 mg/kg. Amylopectin-coated lipo somes showed twice the concentration in the lungs of conventional lipo somes. Candida albicans was inoculated intratracheally into BALB/C mic e. Twenty-four hours later, the number of Candida in the lungs of mice treated with amylopectin-coated liposomes was less than in those trea ted with conventional liposomes, and amylopectin-coated liposomes impr oved the survival rate of inoculated mice. Coating liposomes with amyl opectin aids the targeting of amphotericin B to the lungs.