The Effects of Levovist and DD-723 in Activating Platelets and Damaging Hepatic Cells of Rats

Abstract

Both contrast agents, Levovist and DD-723, produced platelet activation and structural change in the rat hepatic cells, but only the microbubbles of DD-723 were taken up by the Kupffer cells and a few hepatocytes.

Microbubble-enhanced ultrasound to deliver an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide targeting the human androgen receptor into prostate tumours

“…This accumulation of the ODN in the liver was mainly associated with Kupffer cells. Similar data have already been described by others, reporting on uptake of microbubble contrast agents by Kupffer cells in the liver of rats through phagocytosis [33]. Unfortunately, we were not able to demonstrate that uptake of the ODN into prostate tumours was associated with a reduction in AR expression in vivo.…”

Transmission electron microscopy study on the effects of the ultrasound contrast agent Levovist on hepatic cells

“…Zachary et al [4] and Sahn [5] have shown that exposure to pulsed US after intravenous injection of contrast agent bubbles can cause arrhythmia, and van der Wouw et al [6] have shown in human volunteers that contrast echocardiography increases the probability of premature ventricular contraction. Activation of platelets and damage to hepatic cells through contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with Levovist and Sonazoid have been reported by Shigeta et al [7][8][9]. To verify these results, the Ultrasound Equipment and Safety Committee of The Japan Society of Ultrasonics in Medicine (JSUM) started a replication study in August 2005 to investigate microscopic damage in hepatic cells.…”

Biological Effects in Diagnostic Ultrasound

“…Subcutaneous melanoma tumors in mice, which have an enhanced potential for lung metastasis, were scanned intermittently with 1.5 MHz DUS during or after DEFINITY injection (Miller and Dou, 2005). Levovist was compared to an experimental agent by Shigeta et al (2005). One day after scanning, the primary tumor was surgically removed, and the possible lung metastasis allowed to develop for 28 days.…”