Intraperitoneal administration of carrier erythrocytes in dogs: an improved method for delivery of L-asparaginase.

Carrier erythrocytes were prepared to encapsulate L-asparaginase by a hypotonic dialysis process. Dogs received either intravenous or intraperitoneal injections of cells containing both L-asparaginase and the marker [3H]inulin. The route of administration had no effect on the circulating survival of carrier erythrocytes. For enzyme therapy, intraperitoneal injection of a large volume of cells is technically feasible. Cells circulate with a maximum of 30% of the cells reaching circulation 24 h after injection. Those cells reaching circulation have a 7-day half-life for the encapsulated enzyme L-asparaginase.