Significance of empty liposomes alone and as drug carriers in dermatotherapy

The influence of three different liposome formulations (NAT 106, NAT 50, NAT 89), as empty liposomes and loaded with 0.05% betamethasone, on blood circulation in the corium was investigated by means of laser Doppler flowmetry. All three empty liposomes brought about a decrease in circulation. The maximum effect was reached 90 min after a 30-min occlusive application of the test preparations. Loading with betamethasone resulted in a significant increase in circulation after only 15 min. This increase in interpreted as a steroid effect. No comparable symptoms appeared with the application of base cream DAC (an O/W emulsion) or of betamethasone in base cream under identical experimental conditions.