The distribution and fate of 131I-labelled liposomes.

The distribution of 131I-labelled liposomes with sodium iodide entrapped in the aqueous core has been compared with that of a preparation containing iodinated phospholipid, following i.v. administration to rabbits. Liver uptake was observed initially with both liposomes, but the distribution of the former preparation soon became indistinguishable from that of [131I] sodium iodide. Iodine-131 was still detectable in the liver 150 h after administration of the phospholipid labelled material. Scintigrams showing the distributions of the radionuclides following administration of 131I-labelled liposomes and 99mTc-DTPA liposomes indicate that there may be some biliary clearance.