Interaction of positively-charged liposomes with blood: implications for their application in vivo

Liposomes with positively-charged lipid components have previously demonstrated efficacy in animal models for human diseases, and are currently being evaluated in human clinical studies. Cationic lipids can improve entrapment efficiency of drugs and other substances which are negatively charged, and facilitate penetration of biological membranes in vitro, e.g. in transfection. However, toxic effects have also been reported for positively-charged liposomes containing stearylamine. In this report we have examined gross interactions between plasma components or erythrocytes with cholesterol-rich SUV composed of PC or DPPC and having 0-50 mol% of phospholipid replaced with positively-charged stearylamine, DOTMA, or BisHOP. Plasma interactions observed included increased turbidity of the usually clear stroma and/or formation of a clot-like mass. At plasma concentrations of 0.25 mumol/ml or more, the extent of plasma interactions depended upon the concentration of positive charge, the charge density of cationic lipid initially present in the liposomes, and to a lesser degree, the nature of the lipid providing the positive charge. At liposomal positive charge concentrations of greater than 0.5 mumol/ml plasma, stearylamine provoked a strong increase in plasma turbidity, whereas liposomes incorporating DOTMA or BisHOP provoked a strong clotting response. Some hemolysis of erythrocytes in vitro occurred on interaction with cationic liposomes where positive charge was contributed by DOTMA or stearylamine, but not BisHOP. Implications for the clinical use of liposomes containing cationic lipids, is discussed.