Effect of polymeric nanoparticle administration on the clearance activity of the mononuclear phagocyte system in mice

We investigated the consequences of acute and subacute administration of mice with polyisobutylcyanoacrylate (PIBCA), polyisohexylcyanoacrylate (PIHCA), poly(D,L-lactic) acid (PLA), and polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles on the mononuclear phagocyte system phagocytic function. This was done by measuring the clearance rate of colloidal carbon. Single administration of PIBCA and PIHCA (but not PLA and PS) nanoparticles reduced carbon clearance in both a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Since clearance of preopsonized carbon was normal, it was assumed that PIBCA and PIHCA nanoparticles deplete opsonins specific for carbon recognition. A decrease in plasma fibronectin levels resulting from nanoparticle administration suggested its implication in their removal from blood. However, fibronectin does not seem to be responsible for PIBCA and PIHCA blockade. Phagocytic function was preserved after repeated treatment with nanoparticles, probably as a result of increased Kupffer cell phagocytic activity and the contribution of spleen macrophages. Neither toxicity nor effects due to nanoparticle hepatic accumulation were observed.