Brain, liver and spleen detection of liposomes after rectal administration

Bangham-type liposomes, undergoing freeze-thawing cycles, were detected electron microscopically in the brain, liver and spleen of experimental animals 24 h after rectal administration. This novel approach has several important advantages over intravenous, intraperitoneal and other usual means of administration of liposome drug-entrapped treatment and diagnostics for human application. The location of the liposomes in the brain after rectal administration shows that the brain-blood barrier can be overcome successfully by this method. Moreover, the risk of embolism and hypersensitivity, strict control of sterility and some other undesirable effects can be avoided. The possible role of rectal administration in the development of liposome drug-entrapped treatment and diagnostics is discussed.