Lipoprotein-mediated distribution of N-aspartyl chlorin-E6 in the mouse.

The localization of many photosensitizing agents has been attributed to distribution of low density lipoprotein (LDL)-bound drug as a function of the relative numbers of LDL receptors in different tissues. While the chlorin derivative NPe6 is a potent photosensitizing agent in the mouse, it binds mainly to mouse plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) and albumin, with only 1% bound to LDL. This pattern suggests only a minor role for the LDL-receptor pathway with regard to N-aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) biodistribution. Moreover, patterns of accumulation of radioactive NPe6, LDL and HDL in murine tissues are consistent with the suggestion that distribution of NPe6 to different tissues cannot be explained on the basis of an LDL-mediated mechanism.