Adriamycin-loaded albumin microspheres: preparation, in vivo distribution and release in the rat

Adriamycin-loaded bovine albumin microspheres have been prepared by a technique that allows preparation and administration to animals on the same day. Criteria adopted for injection were that microspheres should be stable and of a size such as to become trapped in capillary beds. These conditions were fulfilled by preparing microspheres using glutaraldehyde concentrations greater than 0.5 per cent and the appropriate combination of stirring speed and continuous phase viscosity. After systemic administration rats were sacrificed at intervals and major visceral organs examined for entrapped microspheres and serum for released drug. Microspheres sieved out in the first capillary bed encountered, the lung, then following biodegradation they disappeared at a rate dependent on the amount of cross-linking agent used in their preparation. In contrast to bolus injection, serum drug levels after microsphere administration indicated an initial rapid release followed by a more protracted phase lasting at least 24 h. This latter observation is consistent with drug release during biodegradation of carrier.