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Differential effects of amphotericin B and liposomal amphotericin B on inflammatory cells in vitro

R Baronti1, E Masini, L Bacciottini

  • 1Department of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology, Mario Aiazzi Mancini, University of Florence, Italy.

Abstract

Insights

Pseudo-allergic reactions to amphotericin B (AmB) are caused by deoxycholate (DC), not AmB itself. Liposomal AmB (L-AmB) shows a better safety profile, as only AmB-deoxycholate (AmB-DC) and DC induced histamine release and cell activation.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Pseudo-allergic reactions are a concern with amphotericin B (AmB) formulations.
  • The role of solubilizing agents in these reactions requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate the effects of AmB from its vehicles on immune cells.
  • To evaluate the in vitro impact of AmB, liposomal AmB (L-AmB), AmB-deoxycholate (AmB-DC), and deoxycholate (DC) on rat serosal mast cells (RSMC) and human basophils (HB).

Main Methods:

  • RSMC and HB were isolated and exposed to AmB, L-AmB, AmB-DC, and DC.
  • Histamine and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were measured.
  • Human basophil activation was assessed via CD63 expression.

Main Results:

  • AmB and L-AmB did not induce histamine or LDH release, nor CD63 expression.
  • AmB-DC and DC caused cytotoxic histamine release from both RSMC and HB.
  • AmB-DC and DC significantly increased CD63 expression on HB.

Conclusions:

  • AmB-DC, specifically the deoxycholate (DC) component, is responsible for pseudo-allergic reactions by inducing histamine release.
  • L-AmB demonstrates a superior safety profile compared to AmB-DC.
  • DC is identified as a potent histamine releaser contributing to adverse reactions.

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