Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation is disclosed which contains one or several cyclosporine(s), one or several natural oils, 3-sn-phosphatidyl choline and/or phosphatidyl ethanol amine and water.

Abstract: Polymerized liposome particles based upon lipids having a polymerizable functional group and a metal chelator to attach an imaging enhancement agent and lipids having an active targeting group to provide targeted polymerized liposome contrast agents. The polymerized imaging enhancement liposome particles interact with receptor targets holding the image enhancement agent to specific sites providing in vivo study by magnetic resonance, radioactive, x-ray or optical imaging of the expression of molecules in cells and tissues during disease and pathology.

Abstract: As a carrier for binding of the antiphospholipid antibodies used for immunological diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome, a phospholipid-bound carrier treated with purified serum albumin and a surfactant is used. Thus, immunological diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome can be made with high accuracy. By using the fraction or protein obtained from animal serum or plasma, having the activity of enhancing the binding ability of the antibodies specifically present in the antiphospholipid syndrome to the phospholipid, immunological diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome can also be made more accurately, as compared to known diagnosis.

Abstract: Membranes of liposomes fixing biotin on membrane surfaces thereof can be lysed by a mixed agent comprising a surfactant and avidin. This mechanism can be applied to immunoassay for determining an analyte, e.g. antigen or antibody, wherein liposomes encapsulating a marker and fixing biotin on membrane surfaces thereof are lysed depending on hindrance of an avidin-biotin binding reaction by a specific reaction caused by the analyte.

Abstract: Competitive and sandwich-type immunodiagnostic assays can be configured by use of liposomes carrying detectible markers (e.g., fluorophores) or catalysts thereof (e.g., enzymes) on the outer liposome surface. The liposome also contains at least one antigen or antibody allowing it to bind to a complementary, immobilized antibody or antigen on a support.

Abstract: A new method of producing paucilamellar lipid vesicles has been developed. The vesicles are made of non-phospholipid surfactants. The paucilamellar lipid vesicles have 2-8 lipid bilayers surrounding a central cavity which may be filled with either an aqueous-based solution or an oil or wax.

Abstract: The antibody response to a target antigen may be enhanced by incorporating the antigen into a liposome along with an additional constituent which contains at least one T-helper lymphocyte recognition site. The liposomes can include a wide variety of lipid materials. Both the antigen and the T-helper lymphocite recognition site containing constituent may be associated with the liposome by using hydrophobic interactions or by covalent attachment to a lipid.

Abstract: A patient's health is diagnosed by centrifuging blood samples in a transparent tube, which tube contains one or more groups of particles such as lyposomes or plastic beads of different densities for each group. Each group of density-defined particles carries antigens or antibodies which are specific to a complement antigen or antibody which may be in the blood sample being tested, and which are indicative of the patient's health. A label-tagged antibody which is specific to all bound antibody/antigen couples is added to the blood sample so as to form labelled antibody+antigen-antibody complexes (AAAC) in the blood sample. Upon centrifugation, the complexed particles will settle out in different areas in the tube according to the respective density of the particles, and the degree of label emission of the particle layers can enable qualitative or quantitative analyses of the blood sample to be made.

Abstract: For the determination of the rate of nucleic acid synthesis in eukaryotic cells a nucleotide which is non-radioactively labelled or derivatized with a hapten is introduced into the cells with the addition of liposomes and the rate of synthesis of the nucleic acids is determined by means of the incorporation of the nucleotide via its label or derivatization.

Abstract: A method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid sample using liposomes encapsulating acridinium esters (lumisomes). Hydrophilic polysubstituted aryl acridinium esters are useful as chemiluminescent markers and can be encapsulated within liposome vesicles without significant leakage of the esters from the vesicles. The lumisomes can be coupled to molecules with biological activity, such as antigens, antibodies, and nucleic acids, and used in luminescent assays.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering micellular particles containing chemotherapeutic agents and a marker to tumors within a body for the diagnosis and treatment of such tumors. The micellular particles are small, less than 2000 .ANG. and incorporate pure, neutral phospholipid molecules in their external surface. Enhanced delivery of the micellular particles containing marker and chemotherapeutic agents may be achieved by introducing an initial group of positively charged micellular particles to block the reticuloendothelial cells present in the body.

Abstract: Micellular particles such as small unilamellar vesicles of less than 2000 .ANG. loaded with .sup.111 In are administered to BALB/c mice in which EMT6 tumors had been induced. Whole body scintographs of the mice to which either neutral or positively or negatively charged vesicles had been administered show a substantial quantity of the vesicle entrapped .sup.111 In localized in the tumor. Blocking of macrophages in the liver and spleen by first administering unlabeled, aminomannose substituted vesicles before administration of the labeled vesicles increases uptake of the .sup.111 In labeled vesicles in the tumor.

Abstract: A composition having equal to or greater than about 97 percent by weight phosphatidylcholine and about equal to or less than about 3 percent by weight to about 0.5% sphingomylin and equal to or less than about 0.5% lysophosphatidylcholine (undetectable by UV at 205 nm) has been found to result in liposomes having improved stability. Methods for preparing the composition are disclosed whereby the phospholipids are extracted and then purified using silica chromatography.

Abstract: Disclosed are heterovesicular liposomes containing substances of different biologically active compositions each encapsulated in separate chambers of the liposomes, having defined size distribution, adjustable average size, adjustable internal chamber size and number, methods of making them, and treatment of patients with them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reagent consisting of at least one enzyme and at least one other substance, which are covalently or noncovalently bound to a particle, which is smaller than or is equal to 1000 Angstrom in diameter. The invention also relates to method and use of the reagent for determination or studies of a cell or a virus or another component in a sample. According to the invention, these determinations are made with for example some ELISA-technique (competitive, sandwich, etc), employing the reagent preferably in the form of a suspension in buffered water, instead of and in the same way as described for soluble enzyme conjugates. The substance can be antibody, a lectin, avidin or an antigen, the enzyme can be for example peroxidase, alcaline phosphatase, and the particle can be an inorganic or an organic polymeric compound or a combination thereof, as, for example, tresyl-activated glycerylpropyl-silica.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and compositions for increasing the permeability of epithelial cells to a chloride ion in a subject comprising administering a permeability enhancing amount of a composition comprising a nontoxic, nonionic surfactant having (1) a critical micelle concentration of less than about 10 mM and a hydrophile-lipophile balance number of from about 10 to 20 and (2) a suitable hydrophobic organic group joined by a linkage to a suitable hydrophilic polyol.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a shaped enteric material having distributed therethrough preferably substantially uniformly, pharmaceutical loaded particles, said particles having a size no greater than about 10 microns in any dimension and being alkali insoluble and the method of delivering pharmaceuticals to Peyer's glands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liposomal compositions having a concentration gradient which load amino acids and peptides exhibiting weak acid or base characteristics into liposomes. Specifically loaded into liposomes by the methods of the present invention are C-terminal substituted amino acids or peptides. The liposomes are preferably large unilamellar vesicles. The concentration gradient is formed by encapsulating a first medium in the liposomes, said medium having a first concentration of the one or more charged species, and suspending the liposomes in a second medium having a second concentration of the one or more charged species, such as for example a pH gradient. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical preparations comprising such C-terminal substituted amino acids or peptides which have been loaded into the liposomes by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Methods are described for controlling the transbilayer distribution of ionizable lipids and proteins in vesicles. Control of the ion gradient of the exterior bathing medium in relation to that of the interior entrapped aqueous compartment of the vesicles induces migration of ionizable lipids or proteins to one or the other of the monolayers comprising the bilayer. This can result in an asymmetric distribution of the ionizable lipid or ionizable protein. The basic ionizable lipids, such as stearylamine and sphingosine, are sequestered into the inner monolayer when the liposome interior is acidic relative to the liposome exterior. Conversely, acidic ionizable lipids such as oleic acid and stearic acid are sequestered into the inner monolayer when the liposome interior is basic relative to the liposome exterior bathing solution.

Abstract: A method for forming a proteoliposome comprises incorporating into a liposome a membrane protein combined with a carrier. Further, a method for preparing a giant proteoliposome, comprises freezing and thawing an alkali metal salt solution containing a membrane protein and a lipid, and subsequently dialyzing against a second salt solution or a buffer solution having a lower osmotic pressure than that of said alkali metal salt solution. Further, a method for forming a proteoliposome, comprises by freezing and thawing an alkali metal salt solution containing a membrane protein combined with a carrier and a lipid.

Abstract: Novel fusions of a GPI signal domain and a polypeptide heterologous to the GPI signal domain donor polypeptide are provided for industrial use. Therapeutic administration of the GPI-linked product of the fusions enables the targeting of biological activity to cell membrane surfaces.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are disclosed for reversibly aggregating particles suspended in a liquid medium. The method comprises combining the liquid medium containing the particles with a polyionic polymer capable of aggregating the particles under conditions suitable for such aggregation. Thereafter, the particles are contacted with a chemical reagent capable of cleaving the polyionic polymer under conditions sufficient to reverse the aggregation. Optionally, magnetic particles are added to the liquid medium in the present method under conditions for non-specific binding and the medium including the aggregates is subjected to a magnetic field gradient to separate the aggregates from the medium. The compounds of the present invention are polyions. The aggregation of the particles is reversible upon contact with chemical agents which cleave at least some of the bonds within the polyionic polymer.

Abstract: A process for assaying at least one analyte uses a tracer which includes multiple detectable substances. A tracer composition includes at least one ligand labeled with a particulate label, the particulate label containing at least one detectable substance. Two or more detectable substances in the assay may be in the same particulate label or in different particulate labels conjugated to different ligands.

Abstract: A method for rapidly lysing liposomes having transition temperatures in the range of 35.degree. to 65.degree. C. is provided. Such liposomes are treated with a surfactant including ##STR1## wherein x represents an average of 9 or 12. The method is applicable to fluorescence immunoassay procedures.

Abstract: Contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging comprising gas filled liposomes prepared using vacuum drying gas instillation methods, and gas filled liposomes substantially devoid of liquid in the interior thereof, are described. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in ultrasonic imaging applications are also disclosed. Also described are diagnostic kits for ultrasonic imaging which include the subject contrast agents.

Abstract: A patient's health is diagnosed by centrifuging blood samples in a transparent tube, which tube contains one or more groups of particles such as lyposomes or plastic beads of different densities for each group. Each group of density-defined particles carries antigens or antibodies which are specific to a complement antigen or antibody which may be in the blood sample being tested, and which are indicative of the patient's health. A label-tagged antibody which is specific to all bound antibody/antigen couples is added to the blood sample so as to form labeled antibody+antigen-antibody complexes (AAAC) in the blood sample. Upon centrifugation, the complexed particles will settle out in different areas in the tube according to the respective density of the particles, and the degree of label emission of the particle layers can enable qualitative or quantitative analyses of the blood sample to be made.

Abstract: Processes for polyphase fluid extraction of concentrated, active therapeutic components from parts of plants identified taxonomically as Symphytum, Taxus and Aloe species are described. The resulting products-by-processes are defined as Concentrated Fluid Plant Extracts (CFPE) of the respective plant types, where P can be S, T or A. The preparation process for CFPE includes multiple/sequential stages of diffusional transfer of the active constituents into liquid and/or vapor extraction phases under contact conditions of forced convection at controlled temperature and pressure. Therapeutic formulations based on CFPE including emulsions, aerosols, liposomes and controlled-release devices are presented. Treatment methods for a variety of skin conditions and complications of specific diseases are indicated.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the preparation of alpha-tocopherol vesicles, the bilayers of which comprise a salt form of an organic acid derivative of alpha-tocopherol such as the Tris salt form of alpha-tocopherol hemisuccinate. The method is rapid and efficient and does not require the use of organic solvents. The alpha-tocopherol vesicles may be used to entrap compounds which are insoluble in aqueous solutions. Such preparations are especially useful for entrapping bioactive agents of limited solubility, thus enabling administration in vivo.

Abstract: A polymeric controlled delivery system is provided for use in treating periodontal disease. The delivery system in a variety of forms is placed directly in the infected gingival tissue where the chemotherapeutic agent is slowly released into the tissue and into the infected periodontal pocket by means of the gingival crevicular fluid originating in the gingival tissue.

Abstract: Delivery vehicles comprising an outer biocompatible encapsulating layer, an inner amphiphilic active ingredient-associated layer and an active ingredient are described. The delivery vehicles are biocompatible and are capable of solubilizing the active ingredient for in vivo delivery to bodily tissue or other bodily systems. Uses include nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and therapeutic drug delivery.

Abstract: An improved simple, efficient, safe, economical, and fast transmembrane ling procedure for efficient active loading of weak amphiphatic drugs into liposomes using the transmembrane gradient. The resulting liposomes loaded with the amphiphatic drug are stable and safe. A storagable form of loadable liposomes has extended period of stability. The reversed procedure is applicable for sustained release of liposome encapsulated drugs from ammonium liposomes.

Abstract: An interaction system, including an antibody or, antibody fragment having functional capability, which comprises a surfactant-stabilized microheterogeneous dispersion of aqueous phase in a water-immiscible medium, said aqueous phase containing an amount of said antibody or said fragment in a functional state sufficient to effect the interaction; and methods for making and for using said system.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods that have been found useful in reducing non-specific binding in immunochemical assays, via methods that can be implemented much faster than those used by Ishikawa. The techniques include the use of a lipophilic bridge, such as a liposome, or the elution of the antigen-antibody complex from the solid phase by the use of an anti-idiotypic antibody or an antibody, or the use of a heterologous reversible bridge.

Abstract: In the method for combining with liposomes heterogeneous substances contained in a mixture, in particular, allergenic substances such as allergens and/or allergenic extracts, contained in an allergenic preparation, by adsorption on the surface of, and/or incorporation in, liposomes which comprise cholesterol, a phospholipid and/or at least one ionic lipid which gives the liposome a positive or negative charge, the liposome or its constituents are combined with the mixture of heterogeneous substances, the pH of the entire combination being higher or lower than the isoelectric point ip of the substances contained in the mixture, depending on whether the ionic lipid is charged positively or negatively respectively.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the preparation of bioactive agents entrapped in lipid vesicles the bilayers of which comprise a salt form of an organic acid derivative of a sterol, such as the tris-salt form of a sterol hemisuccinate, and to compositions comprising a mixture of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane salt of cholesteryl hemisuccinate with either an antifungal compound or a peptide. These compositions have various applications in vivo.

Abstract: A method of forming a lipid planar membrane of a bilayer membrane composed of lipid and protein comprises the step of immersing a substrate, which has a long-chain hydrocarbon group at least on the surface of one side thereof, in a suspension of liposome or proteoliposome, respectively. The long-chain hydrocarbon group is introduced into the substrate by bonding a long-chain alkylsilane coupling agent or a long-chain alkyltitanate coupling agent.

Abstract: A detecting reagent for an antiplatelet antibody, comprises a carrier particle, and a platelet antigen component immobilized on a surface of the carrier particle. The reagent particles do not agglutinate with each other, contrary to the platelets subjected to natural agglutination, probably because the platelet membrane antigen component immobilized on the carrier particle is solubilized in advance.

Abstract: Liposomes containing phosphatidylethanolamine, palmitoyl homocysteine or oleic acid or palmitic acid, fuse rapidly when the pH of the medium is reduced below 7. Liposome fusion was measured by (a) mixing of the liposomal lipids as shown by resonance energy transfer, (b) gel filtration and (c) electron microscopy. The presence of phosphatidylethanolamine or acid addition esters thereof in the liposomes greatly enhances fusion; whereas the presence of phosphatidylcholine inhibits fusion. During fusion of liposomes containing phosphatidylethanolamine:palmitoyl homocysteine (8:2), almost all of the encapsulated calcein is released. Inclusion of cholesterol (40%) in the liposomes substantially decreases leakage without impairing fusion. Those pH sensitive liposomes are fused to deliver biologically active molecules such as DNA, into living cells.

Abstract: Liposome and lipidic particle formulations of compounds are prepared by dissolving in a solution of liposome-forming lipids in an aprotic solvent such as DMSO, optionally containing a lipid-solubilizing amount of a lower alkanol, and either injecting the resulting solution into an aqueous solution, or the aqueous solution into the resulting solution. The resulting liposome or lipidic particle suspension may then be dialyzed or otherwise concentrated. This method is particularly useful for compounds which are poorly-soluble in aqueous solution, but is generally useful for any compound or combination of compounds which can be dissolved in the aprotic solvent or aprotic solvent/lower alkanol mixture.

Abstract: A triggered release liposomal delivery system is disclosed that selectively releases its contents in response to illumination or reduction in pH. The liposomes contain an amphipathic lipid, such as a phospholipid, having two chains derived from fatty acid that allow the lipid to pack into a bilayer structure. One or both of the alkyl chains contains a vinyl ether functionality that is cleaved by reactive oxygen species (ROS) or acid. A photosensitizer is incorporated into the liposomal cavity or membrane, and produces ROS or acid when illuminated to cleave the vinyl ether functionality and disrupt the liposomal membrane to release the vesicle contents. The lipid is preferably a plasmalogen, for example ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each long chain hydrocarbons containing 12-24 carbons.

Abstract: A method for treating an infection caused by an intracellular parasite in a patient. The method includes administering to the patient liposomes coated with C-reactive protein, wherein the liposomes include phosphatidylcholine or phosphorylcholine.

Abstract: Methods for preparing liquid supports utilized in bioaffinity and ion-exchange separation methods and provided. The support is based on an inert carrier with ligands or binders for ligands attached through its surface through a highly fluorinated isocyanate anchor group. The use of such supports in capturing neutral and charged target molecules from samples and in analytical applications are also provided.

Abstract: A drug-containing protein-bonded liposome comprising a liposome containing a drug and having maleimide residues on its surface, and a protein and residues of a compound having a polyalkylene glycol moiety, bonded via respective thiol groups to the maleimide residues.

Abstract: A liposome composition and methods for making same are disclosed, such compositions comprise an arachidonic acid metabolite such as a prostaglandin, preferably prostaglandin E.sub.1, a lipid, and a drying protectant such as a saccharide. The liposomes may be loaded with prostaglandin passively, or using a transmembrane concentration gradient, preferably using a transmembrane pH gradient. Using this transmembrane loading technique, trapping efficiencies of 50% to 100% are achieved, and the release rate of the prostaglandin from the liposomes is reduced. The liposome size is maintained after lyophilization and reconstitution.

Abstract: The production of artificial viral envelopes by a novel double-detergent dialysis technique is disclosed. Specifically exemplified is the production of HIV-1 and RSV viral envelopes. The resulting artificial viral envelopes are essentially identical to the natural virus with regard to characteristics which are relevant to immunogenicity.

Abstract: A liposome composition is obtained by using as constituent components of the liposome membrane a polyoxyethylene derivative represented by the general formula:X--O--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n --Y (I)wherein X represents an alkanoyl group or an alkyl group, Y represents a residue of a compound having a negative charge, and n is an integer of 2 to 50, and a phospholipid. The liposome composition has good dispersibility, high drug-encapsulation property and high stability.

Abstract: A liposome reagent encapsulating a molecule to be targeted to a body site or used as an assay reporter has a ligand and a sulfonate-containing group on the liposome surface. Preferred ligands are antibodies or antibody fragments and preferred encapsulants are enzymes or dyes. In the most preferred reagents, the antibody and sulfonate-containing group are covalently bonded to the liposome surface through a connecting group which includes a succinimidyl group resulting from addition of the ligand or sulfonate-containing group to a maleimidyl group. The invention includes a kit of materials for performing an assay using the reagent of the invention as the tracer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the preparation of alpha-tocopherol vesicles, the bilayers of which comprise a salt form of an organic acid derivative of alpha-tocopherol such as the Tris salt form of alpha-tocopherol hemisuccinate. The method is rapid and efficient and does not require the use of organic solvents. The alpha-tocopherol vesicles may be used to entrap compounds which are insoluble in aqueous solutions. Such preparations are especially useful for entrapping bioactive agents of limited solubility, thus enabling administration in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid paucilamellar lipid vesicles containing a phospho- or glycolipid and a nonionic, anionic, or zwitterionic surfactant in the lipid bilayers. The paucilamellar vesicles may have either an aqueous or oil-filled central cavity. A method of manufacture for these vesicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions which mediate antibody and ligand targeting of differentiation-inducers to tumor cells and methods for employing the same.