Accumulation of liposome with Sialyl Lewis X to inflammation and tumor region: application to in vivo bio-imaging.

We prepared the liposome binding Sialyl Lewis X (SLX) on the surface in order to specifically and efficiently deliver substances (fluorescent materials, chemical substances, proteins, genes, etc.) to inflammation or tumor regions. The liposome with SLX (SLX-Lipo-Cy5.5), in which fluorescent substance Cy5.5 was included, was administered intravenously to arthritis or Ehrlich Ascites Tumor (EAT) bearing mouse, and the accumulation of liposome was observed using two types of in vivo fluorescent imaging equipment. The result was that the accumulation of SLX-Lipo-Cy5.5 to inflammation or tumor regions was significantly higher than the control liposome without sugar chain (Lipo-Cy5.5) at 24 and 48 h after administration. In addition, it was confirmed that this accumulation showed a shift of liposome from blood vessels to the surrounding tissues. Thus, it was proven that this liposome is useful not only as an in vivo bio-imaging reagent but also as a drug delivery system (DDS).