Targeting of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymers to liver by incorporation of galactose residues

Biochim Biophys Acta. 1983 Feb 22;755(3):518-21. doi: 10.1016/0304-4165(83)90258-1.

Abstract

Soluble synthetic polymers have potential as targetable carriers of pharmacological agents. Here we report that incorporation into poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)] of an oligopeptide side-chain terminating in galactose enhanced the polymer's pinocytic uptake from the rat bloodstream by the liver. Within the liver lysosomes enzymic digestion led to the intracellular release of a drug analogue also bound to oligopeptide side-chains of the polymer.

MeSH terms

  • Acrylamides / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Galactose / metabolism*
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Polymers
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Acrylamides
  • Blood Glucose
  • Polymers
  • N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide
  • Galactose