Cellular internalization of PCL(20)-b-PEO(44) block copolymer micelles

Biochim Biophys Acta. 1999 Sep 21;1421(1):32-8. doi: 10.1016/s0005-2736(99)00108-x.

Abstract

The cellular internalization of polycaprolactone-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PCL(20)-b-PEO(44)) copolymer micelles were investigated in PC12 cells cultures. The micelles were found to be internalized into PC12 cells when followed over the 4-h incubation period. Also, the internalization process was found to fulfill the basic criteria for endocytotic uptake in that it was time, temperature, pH and energy dependent. In addition, the use of other pharmacological manipulations (hypertonic treatment, Brefeldin A) provide further evidence that the mode of cellular internalization is in fact endocytotic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Endocytosis
  • Ethylene Oxide / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lactones / chemistry*
  • Micelles
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • PC12 Cells
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Rats
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Lactones
  • Micelles
  • PLC(20)-b-PEO(44)
  • Polymers
  • Ethylene Oxide