Vasoactive intestinal peptide encapsulated in liposomes: effects on systemic arterial blood pressure

The purpose of this study was to determine whether encapsulation of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in liposomes enhances its vasoactive effects. Liposomes were formed from a solution of VIP in phospholipids and cholesterol, resulting in incorporation of 0.008 mole peptide/mole phospholipid. Leakage of VIP from the liposomes was undetectable over several days of incubation at 4 degrees C in 0.15 M sodium chloride. Under conditions permitting rapid hydrolysis of VIP by trypsin, there was no breakdown of the encapsulated peptide. Increasing concentrations of the liposome-encapsulated VIP administered intravenously to anesthetized hamsters produced a concentration-dependent decrease in the mean arterial blood pressure. The duration and magnitude of the hypotensive effect of the encapsulated VIP was significantly greater (p < 0.05) compared to equivalent concentrations of the unencapsulated peptide. Infusion of empty liposomes was without significant effect on the mean arterial blood pressure. We conclude that encapsulation of VIP in liposomes potentiates the blood pressure-lowering effect of the peptide.