NANOPARTICLE TECHNOLOGY FOR DELIVERY OF DRUGS ACROSS THE BLOOD-BRAIN-BARRIER

The Leu-enkephalin dalargin and the Met-enkephalin kyotorphin normally do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) when given systemically. T o transport these neuropeptides across the BBB they were adsorbed onto the surface of poly(butylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles (NPs) and the N Ps were coated with polysorbate 80. Central analgesia was measured by the hot plate test in mice. The antidepressant amitriptyline, which no rmally penetrates the BBB, was used to examine the versatility of the NP method. The concentration, of amitriptyline in serum and brain of m ice was determined by a gas; chromatographic method. Furthermore, NPs were fabricated with different stabilizers. After the adsorption of th e peptides on polysorbate 85-stabilized NPs, analgesia was noted after intravenous application when NPs were not coated. The amitriptyline l evel was significantly enhanced in brain when the substance was adsorb ed onto the NP and coated or when the particles were stabilized with p olysorbate 85.