Comparative biodistribution of PAMAM dendrimers and HPMA copolymers in ovarian-tumor-bearing mice

The biodistribution profile of a series of linear N-(2-hydroxylpropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers was compared with that of branched poly(amido amine) dendrimers containing surface hydroxyl groups (PAMAM-OH) in orthotopic ovarian-tumor-bearing mice. Below an average molecular weight (MW) of 29 kDa, the HPMA copolymers were smaller than the PAMAM-OH dendrimers of comparable molecular weight. In addition to molecular weight, hydrodynamic size and polymer architecture affected the biodistribution of these constructs. Biodistribution studies were performed by dosing mice with (125)iodine-labeled polymers and collecting all major organ systems, carcass, and excreta at defined time points. Radiolabeled polymers were detected in organ systems by measuring gamma emission of the (125)iodine radiolabel. The hyperbranched PAMAM dendrimer, hydroxyl-terminated, generation 5 (G5.0-OH), was retained in the kidney over 1 week, whereas the linear HPMA copolymer of comparable molecular weight was excreted into the urine and did not show persistent renal accumulation. PAMAM dendrimer, hydroxyl-terminated, generation 6.0 (G6.0-OH), was taken up by the liver to a higher extent, whereas the HPMA copolymer of comparable molecular weight was observed to have a plasma exposure three times that of this dendrimer. Tumor accumulation and plasma exposure were correlated with the hydrodynamic sizes of the polymers. PAMAM dendrimer, hydroxyl-terminated, generation 7.0 (G7.0-OH), showed extended plasma circulation, enhanced tumor accumulation, and prolonged retention with the highest tumor/blood ratio for the polymers under study. Head-to-head comparative study of HPMA copolymers and PAMAM dendrimers can guide the rational design and development of carriers based on these systems for the delivery of bioactive and imaging agents.