Microinjection of ricin entrapped in unilamellar liposomes into a ricin-resistant mutant of baby hamster kidney cells.

Fluorescein-labelled Ricin was entrapped in unilamellar liposomes; 14 microgram of protein was entrapped by 1 mg of lipids. Liposomes added to cells in culture in low serum medium can deliver entrapped Ricin to a Ricin-resistant mutant of baby hamster kidney(BHK)cells. Ricin entrapped in unilamellar liposomes inhibits protein biosynthesis at a concentration of 1.75 microgram/ml in Ricin-resistant cells. Ricin dissolved in medium at 50 microgram/ml does not affect protein synthesis in these cells.