Objective: To investigate the effect of liposome on the permeability and drug retention of sodium fluorescein(NaFl) in rat skin.
Methods: With an improved Franz diffusion cell and 0.125% NaFl liposome suspension as the model drug, in vitro measurement of percutaneous absorption and skin reservoir capacity for NaF1 was conducted using a fluorescence spectrophotometry at 4 and 12 h respectively after the diffusion experiment had started, and distribution of the fluorescence in rat skin was observed under fluorescence microscope at 4 h penetration experiment. NaFl solution of the same concentration as the model drugs served as the control for this experiment.
Results: In comparison with NaFl solution, liposomal NaFl suspension resulted in larger amount of NaFl retention in rat skin but smaller amount in the receiver cell in a four-hour Franz diffusion test, with also higher fluorescence intensity in the skin, especially the skin around the hair follicles.
Conclusion: Local high drug concentrations can be achieved in the skin by liposomal suspension of water soluble drug for more effective treatment of skin diseases.