Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity and Immune and Subacute Toxicity of Camptothecin-loaded Nanoparticles

CPT-loaded NPs with polyethylene glycol shells can increase its solubility in water and remain in circulation for a long time. This experiment has evaluated cytotoxicity and immune and subacute toxicity of CPT NPs. Camptothecin (CPT) was incorporated into biotin-F127-PLA or F127-PLA polymeric nanoparticles; a dialysis method was used for non-targeted CPT NPs and anti-CA125 antibodies for targeted CPT NPs. A cytotoxicity test was also conducted based on the growth inhibition of the mouse fibroblast-like L-929 cell line. The effects of the two CPT-loaded NPs on immunity were also determined through a carbon particle clearance rate assay. Each mouse was intraperitoneally injected with 0.4 ml/20 g.bw nanoparticles for 28 consecutive days in the subacute toxicity test. Results have showed that CPT NPs have reduced the toxicity of free CPT on the L-919 cells. The CPT NPs did not induce phagocytosis in the normal mice. At the end of subacute toxicity study no difference was found between the CPT NP and control groups in blood parameter analysis and main organ weight visceral coefficients. These results suggested that the new CPT NPs might elicit low toxic effects at cellular and organism levels.