[Effects of cepharanthine on liposomal permeability and size]

Effects of cepharanthine, one of membrane-stabilizing agents, on membrane permeability and on liposomal size were examined. When cepharanthine was added to the lipid before liposome formation, the size of liposome increased and the permeability did not change. On the other hand, when cepharanthine was added to the liposome suspension after liposome formation, no effect was found on liposomal size but the membrane permeability increased and lag time of initial leak of 5 (& 6)-carboxyfluorescein reduced dose-dependently.