Brain targeting of nerve growth factor using poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles

The nerve growth factor (NGF) is essential for the survival of both peripheral ganglion cells and central cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. The accelerated loss of central cholinergic neurons during Alzheimer’s disease may be a determinant cause of dementia, and this observation may suggest a possible therapeutic benefit from treatment with NGF. In recent years, convincing data have been published involving neurotrophic factors for the modulation of dopaminergic transmission within the brain and concerning the ability of NGF to prevent the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. In this connection, the administration of NGF may slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease. However, NGF, as well as other peptidic neurotrophic factors, does not significantly penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) from the circulation. Therefore, any clinical usefulness of NGF as a potential CNS therapy will depend on the use of a suitable carrier system that enhances its transport through the BBB. The present study investigates brain delivery of NGF adsorbed on poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 and the pharmacological efficacy of this delivery system in the model of acute scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats as well as in the model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinsonian syndrome. As shown by the passive avoidance reflex (PAR) test, the intravenous administration of the nanoparticle-bound NGF successfully reversed scopolamine-induced amnesia and improved recognition and memory. This formulation also demonstrated a significant reduction of the basic symptoms of Parkinsonism (oligokinesia, rigidity, tremor). In addition, the efficient transport of NGF across the BBB was confirmed by direct measurement of NGF concentrations in the murine brain. These results demonstrate that the PBCA nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 are an effective carrier system for the transport of NGF to the central nervous system across the BBB following intravenous injection. This approach may improve the NGF-based therapy of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.     

Influence of surfactants,polymer and doxorubicin loading on the anti-tumour effect of poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles in a rat glioma model

Poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles coated with polysorbate-80 can enable the transport of bound drugs across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) after i.v. injection. In the present study the influence of different formulation parameters on the anti-tumoural effects of doxorubicin nanoparticles against glioblastoma 101/8 was investigated. The manufacturing parameters of poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles were optimized concerning drug loading. The nanoparticles were coated with different surfactants and injected intravenously on days 2, 5 and 8 after intra-cranial implantation of glioblastoma 101/8 to rats. The survival times of all doxorubicin containing preparations, including a doxorubicin solution, increased the survival times significantly compared to untreated tumour-bearing rats. The most pronounced increase in survival was obtained with the poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 and 35% of these animals survived for over 180 days (termination of the experiments). The other nanoparticle preparations yielded lower survival times. Poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80-coated proved to be very efficient against glioblastoma 101/8. The data suggest that the interaction of nanoparticles with the blood after injection as well as the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR effect) contributed differently to the anti-tumoural efficacy depending on nanoparticle formulation and surface properties.     

Radiation sterilisation of doxorubicin bound to poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles

Doxorubicin-loaded poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanoparticles were prepared by anionic polymerisation under non-aseptic conditions. The feasibility of sterilisation of this formulation using either gamma-irradiation or electron beam irradiation was investigated. The irradiation doses ranged from 10 to 35 kGy. Bacillus pumilus was used as the official test microorganism. The bioburden of the untreated formulation was found to be 100 CFU/g. Microbiological monitoring revealed that at this level of the bioburden the irradiation dose of 15 kGy was sufficient for sterilisation of the nanoparticles. The formulation showed excellent stability with both types of irradiation in the investigated dose range. The irradiation did not influence the physicochemical parameters of the drug-loaded and empty nanoparticles, such as the mean particle size, polydispersity, and aggregation stability. The molecular weights of the PBCA polymer as well as the polydispersity indices (M(w)/M(n)) remained nearly unchanged. The drug substance was stable to radiolysis. Additionally, the presence of irradiation-induced radicals was evaluated by ESR spectroscopy after storage of the particles at ambient temperature. The paramagnetic species found in the formulation were mainly produced by irradiation of mannitol and dextran used as excipients.     

Self-assembled nanoparticles of reduction-sensitive poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-conjugated chondroitin sulfate A for doxorubicin delivery: preparation,characterization and evaluation

In this study, reduction-sensitive self-assembled polymer nanoparticles based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) were developed and characterized. PLGA was conjugated with CSA via a disulfide linkage (PLGA-ss-CSA). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of PLGA-ss-CSA conjugate is 3.5?µg/mL. The anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was chosen as a model drug, and was effectively encapsulated into the nanoparticles (PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX) with high loading efficiency of 15.1%. The cumulative release of DOX from reduction-sensitive nanoparticles was only 34.8% over 96?h in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). However, in the presence of 20?mM glutathione-containing PBS environment, DOX release was notably accelerated and almost complete from the reduction-sensitive nanoparticles up to 96?h. Moreover, efficient intracellular DOX release of PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX nanoparticles was confirmed by CLSM assay in A549 cells. In vitro cytotoxicity study showed that the half inhibitory concentrations of PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX nanoparticles and free DOX against A549 cells were 1.141 and 1.825?µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX nanoparticles enhanced the cytotoxicity of DOX in vitro. These results suggested that PLGA-ss-CSA nanoparticles could be a promising carrier for drug delivery.     

Influence of surfactants, polymer and doxorubicin loading on the anti-tumour effect of poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles in a rat glioma model

Poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles coated with polysorbate-80 can enable the transport of bound drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after i.v. injection. In the present study the influence of different formulation parameters on the anti-tumoural effects of doxorubicin nanoparticles against glioblastoma 101/8 was investigated. The manufacturing parameters of poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles were optimized concerning drug loading. The nanoparticles were coated with different surfactants and injected intravenously on days 2, 5 and 8 after intra-cranial implantation of glioblastoma 101/8 to rats. The survival times of all doxorubicin containing preparations, including a doxorubicin solution, increased the survival times significantly compared to untreated tumour-bearing rats. The most pronounced increase in survival was obtained with the poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 and 35% of these animals survived for over 180 days (termination of the experiments). The other nanoparticle preparations yielded lower survival times. Poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80-coated proved to be very efficient against glioblastoma 101/8. The data suggest that the interaction of nanoparticles with the blood after injection as well as the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR effect) contributed differently to the anti-tumoural efficacy depending on nanoparticle formulation and surface properties.     

原代肝细胞和传代细胞对微囊藻毒素-LR的敏感性

目的比较微囊藻毒素-LR对原代肝细胞和多种传代细胞株的毒性,探讨建立经济、简便的研究该毒素细胞模型的可能性。方法采用胶原蛋白酶2步灌流法制备大鼠原代肝细胞,以及用不同宿主来源的8种细胞株与不同浓度的微囊藻毒素-LR作用,MTT法测定细胞毒性终点及乳酸脱氢酶试验测定细胞膜受损与否。结果原代肝细胞培养至24h时,毒素浓度在5.0ng/mL即对细胞开始产生毒性并呈剂量-反应关系。48h时,细胞毒性更加剧烈,反应曲线呈典型S形,EC50为5.2ng/mL。当藻毒素为1.3ng/mL时,24h后,原代肝细胞LDH逸出开始随剂量增加而不断上升,20.0ng/mL乳酸脱氢酶逸出达到90%以上,细胞膜严重受损。受试8种传代细胞株无论从剂量、反应时间上都不如原代肝细胞敏感,其中相对敏感的KB细胞在培养96h,毒素浓度大于18.8μg/mL时,开始呈现明显剂量-反应关系,与原代肝细胞相差3个数量级。结论原代肝细胞是研究微囊藻毒素-LR急性毒性的理想模型,而KB细胞在较高剂量下可能是研究该毒素的传代细胞模型,其他传代细胞不适宜作为该毒素研究的模型。     

Bioadhesive properties of poly(anhydride) nanoparticles coated with different molecular weights chitosan

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize the bioadhesive properties of poly(anhydride) nanoparticles coated with two types of low-molecular weight chitosan (CH20 of 20?kDa or CH50 of 50?kDa) or their thiolated conjugates. Nanoparticles were prepared by a solvent displacement method and characterized by measuring the size, zeta potential, morphology and composition. For bioadhesion studies, nanoparticles were fluorescently labelled with rhodamine B isothiocyanate. In all cases, coated nanoparticles showed a slightly higher size and lower negative zeta potential than uncoated nanoparticles. Nanoparticles coated with CH20 showed a higher adhesive capacity than uncoated nanoparticles. On the contrary, when nanoparticles were coated with CH50, the resulting carriers displayed a decreased ability to develop adhesive interactions within the gut. Finally, the coating of nanoparticles with thiolated chitosan improved their adhesive abilities. Poly(anhydride) nanoparticles coated with thiolated chitosan can be considered as promising bioadhesive particulate carriers for oral delivery strategies.     

庆大霉素聚氰基丙烯酸丁酯毫微球冻干注射剂的制备及其特性

用乳化聚合法制备庆大霉素聚氰基丙烯酸丁酯毫微球，经冷冻干燥制成冻干型注射剂。用一阶导数分光光度法测定药物的结合率和载药量；以浊度作为评价冻干毫微球重分散性能的指标，筛选配方和工艺；用透射电镜测定了冻干前后粒度分布的变化；对体外释药进行了考察；还对毫微球的其他理化特性进行了测定。     

聚乙二醇-聚十六烷基氰丙烯酸酯聚合物及其纳米粒的制备

聚乙二醇氰乙酸酯和十六烷基氰乙酸酯聚合得到两亲性的标题聚合物,通过IR、1HNMR及凝胶渗透色谱法等确证结构.将此聚合物用溶剂-非溶剂法所制得的纳米粒粒径为100～400nm,分布均匀.     

Enhanced tumour uptake of doxorubicin loaded poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles in mice bearing Dalton's lymphoma tumour

The objective of this study is to enhance the delivery of Doxorubicin hydrochloride to Dalton's lymphoma solid tumour through poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBC) nanoparticles. Doxorubicin loaded PBC (DPBC) nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion polymerization and characterized by particle size analysis, zeta potential and scanning electron microscopy. Doxorubicin HCl (Dox) and DPBC nanoparticles were radiolabeled with 99mTc by reduction method using stannous chloride and optimized the labeling parameters to obtain high labeling efficiency. The in vitro stability of 99mTc-labeled complexes was determined by DTPA and cysteine challenge test. The labeled complexes showed very low transchelation and high in vitro and serum stability. 99mTc labeled complexes of Dox and DPBC nanoparticles were administered subcutaneously below the Dalton's lymphoma tumour and biodistribution was studied. The distribution of DPBC nanoparticles to the blood, heart and organs of RES such as liver, lung and spleen was biphasic with a rapid initial distribution, followed by a significant decrease later at 6 h post-injection. The distribution of Dox to tissues was very low initially and increased significantly at 6 h post-injection indicating its accumulation at the injection site for a longer time. The concentration of DPBC nanoparticles was also found high in tissues at 6 h post-injection indicating their accumulation at the subcutaneous site and consequent disposition to tissues with time. A significantly high tumour uptake of DPBC nanoparticles (approximately 13 fold higher at 48 h post-injection) (P <0.001) was found compared to free Dox. The tumour concentrations of both Dox and DPBC nanoparticles increased with time indicating their slow penetration from the injection site into tumour. The concentration of DPBC nanoparticles in the femur bone in the tumour region was also significantly higher (P <0.001) than free Dox and increased with time. The study signifies the advantage of delivering Dox to Dalton's lymphoma through PBC nanoparticles by facilitating enhanced tumour uptake and prolonged tumour retention, which are expected to lead to greater therapeutic effect in the form of tumour regression.     

Reversion of multidrug resistance by co-encapsulation of doxorubicin and curcumin in chitosan/poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles

Co-encapsulated doxorubicin (DOX) and curcumin (CUR) in poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles (PBCA-NPs) were prepared with emulsion polymerization and interfacial polymerization. The mean particle size and mean zeta potential of CUR-DOX-PBCA-NPs were 133 ± 5.34 nm in diameter and +32.23 ± 4.56 mV, respectively. The entrapment efficiencies of doxorubicin and curcumin were 49.98 ± 3.32% and 94.52 ± 3.14%, respectively. Anticancer activities and reversal efficacy of the formulations and various combination approaches were assessed using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and western blotting. The results showed that the dual-agent loaded PBCA-NPs system had the similar cytotoxicity to co-administration of two single-agent loaded PBCA-NPs (DOX-PBCA-NPs+CUR-PBCA-NPs), which was slightly higher than that of the free drug combination (DOX+CUR) and one free drug/another agent loaded PBCA-NPs combination (DOX+CUR-PBCA-NPs or CUR+DOX-PBCA-NPs). The simultaneous administration of doxorubicin and curcumin achieved the highest reversal efficacy and down-regulation of P-glycoprotein in MCF-7/ADR cell lines, an MCF-7 breast carcer cell line resistant to adriamycin. Multidrug resistance can be enhanced by combination delivery of encapsulated cytotoxic drugs and reversal agents.     

Pentamidine-loaded poly(D,L-lactide) nanoparticles: Adsorption and drug release

This work describes the loading capacity of poly(D,L-lactide) nanoparticles, the factors influencing pentamidine release, and the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles. The nanoprecipitation method was used to prepare pentamidine-loaded poly(D,L-lactide) nanoparticles. Various concentrations of pentamidine base and polymer were tested. The influence of the dilution, temperature, and ionic strength was evaluated. The cytotoxicity on J 774 cells of unloaded nanoparticles, pentamidine-loaded nanoparticles, and pentamidine isethionate were tested. The percentage of binding decreased significantly with drug load. A nonlinear increase in drug uptake per unit mass of polymer with the equilibrium pentamidine concentration was found. A Langmuir-type sorption was suggested (r = 0.998). 390 μg/ml was found to be the highest level of drug incorporation. The increase of polymer concentration did not improve the pentamidine fixation yield. The increase in temperature or buffer molarity induced a significant release of pentamidine. The increase in dilution also induced an increase in release of pentamidine. The cytotoxicity of pentamidine-loaded nanoparticles and unloaded nanoparticles was superimposable. After 24 h of incubation, pentamidine-loaded nanoparticles presented an IC₅₀ value significantly lower than that of free drug (0.39 vs. 6.5 g/ml). Drug Dev. Res. 43:98–104, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Novel lectin-modified poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) mucoadhesive nanoparticles of carvedilol: preparation and in vitro optimization using a two-level factorial design

Abstract

Carvedilol used in cardiovascular diseases has systemic bioavailability of 25–35%. The objective of this study was production of lectin-modified poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVA) as mucoadhesive nanoparticles to enhance low oral bioavailability of carvedilol. Nanoparticles were prepared by the emulsification-solvent evaporation method using a two-level factorial design. The studied variables included the vinyl acetate content of the polymer, drug and polymer content. Surface modification of PEVA nanoparticles with lectin was carried out by the adsorption method and coupling efficiency was determined using the Bradford assay. Mucoadhesion of nanoparticles was studied on mucin. The particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug loading and drug release from nanoparticles were studied. The morphology of nanoparticles and crystalline status of the entrapped drug were studied by SEM, DSC and XRD tests, respectively. Results showed the most effective factor on particle size and zeta potential was the interaction of polymer and drug content while, drug loading efficiency and mucoadhesion were more affected by the interaction of polymer type and drug content. Drug concentration was the most effective variable on the drug release rate. The drug was in amorphous state in nanoparticles. The optimum nanoparticles obtained by 45?mg of copolymer contained 12% vinyl acetate/4.3?ml of organic phase and drug concentration of 37.5?wt% of polymer.     

Increased in vitro leishmanicidal activity of octyl gallate loaded poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles

The current paucity of effective and affordable drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis renders the search for new therapeutic alternatives a priority. Gallic acid-related compounds display anti-parasitic activities and their incorporation into drug carrier systems, such as polymeric nanoparticles may be a viable alternative for leishmaniasis treatment. Therefore, this study focused on the synthesis and characterization of octyl gallate (G8) loaded poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles via miniemulsion polymerization in order to increase the leishmanicidal activity of this compound. G8 loaded PMMA nanoparticles presented a spherical morphology with a mean size of 108?nm, a negatively charged surface (?33?±?5?mV) and high encapsulation efficiency (83% ± 5). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that G8 was encapsulated in PMMA nanoparticles and presented a biphasic release profile. The G8 loaded PMMA nanoparticles did not present cytotoxic effect on human red blood cells. G8 loaded PMMA nanoparticles displayed a leishmanicidal activity almost three times higher than free G8 while the cytotoxic activity against human THP-1 cells remained unchanged.     

Immunotoxicity of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles: influence of surface properties on dendritic cell activation

Abstract

Modified nanoparticles (NPs) can interact with the immune system by causing its activation to fight tumors or for vaccination. During this activation, dendritic cells (DCs) are effective in generating robust immune response. However, the effect of nanomaterials on dendritic cell (DC) maturation, and the associated adjuvant effect, should be assessed as a novel biocompatibility criteria for biomaterials since immune consequences may constitute potential complications in nanomedicine. Among emerging biomaterials, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) NPs (PLGA NPs) are widely explored for various applications in which the degree of desired adjuvant effect may vary. As contradictory results are reported regarding their effects on DCs, we aimed at clarifying this point with particular emphasis on the relative impact of particle surface properties. To that end, NP uptake and effects on the viability, phenotype, and secretory activity of DC primary cultures. Intracellular signaling pathways were explored and evaluated. Immature human and murine DCs were exposed to cationic, neutral, or anionic PLGA NPs. Particle uptake was assessed by both confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Cell viability was then evaluated prior to the study of maturation by examination of both surface marker expression and cytokine release. Our results demonstrate that PLGA NPs are rapidly engulfed by DCs and do not exert cytotoxic effects. However, upon exposure to PLGA NPs, DCs showed phenotypes and cytokine secretion profiles consistent with maturation which resulted, at least in part, from the transient intracellular activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Interestingly, NP-specific stimulation patterns were observed since NP surface properties had a sensible influence on the various parameters measured.     

Development of poly(glycerol adipate) nanoparticles loaded with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The aim of this study was to assess acylated and non-acylated poly(glycerol adipate) polymers (PGA) as suitable nanoparticulate systems for encapsulation and release of ibuprofen, ibuprofen sodium salt (IBU-Na) and ketoprofen as model drugs. Drug encapsulated nanoparticles were prepared using the interfacial deposition method in the absence of surfactants. Physicochemical characterisation studies of the produced loaded nanoparticles showed that drug–polymer interactions depend on the characteristics of the actual active substance. IBU-Na showed strong interactions with the polymers and it was found to be molecularly dispersed within the polymer matrix while ibuprofen and ketoprofen retained their crystalline state. The drug release profiles showed stepwise patterns which involve an initial burst release effect, diffusion of the drug from the polymer matrix and eventually drug release possibly via a combined mechanism. PGA polymers can be effectively used as drug delivery carriers for various active substances.     

Anti-adherent and antifungal activities of surfactant-coated poly(ethylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles

Application of non-drug-loaded poly(ethylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles (NP) to buccal epithelial cells (BEC) imparted both anti-adherent and antifungal effects. NP prepared using emulsion polymerisation and stabilised using cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants decreased Candida albicans blastospore adhesion, an effect attributable to the peripheral coating of surfactant. Cetrimide and Pluronic^® P123 were shown to be most effective, producing mean percentage reductions in blastospore adherence of 52.7 and 37.0, respectively. Resultant zeta potential matched the polarity of the surfactant, with those stabilised using cetrimide being especially positive (+31.3 mV). Preparation using anionic surfactants was shown to be problematic, with low yield and wide particle size distribution. Evaluation of the antifungal effect of the peripheral coat was evaluated using zones of inhibition and viable counts assays. The former test revealed poor surfactant diffusion through agar, but did show evidence of limited kill. However, the latter method showed that cationic surfactants associated with NP produced high levels of kill, in contrast to those coated with anionic surfactants, where kill was not evident. Non-ionic surfactant-coated NP produced intermediate kill rates. Results demonstrate that surfactant-coated NP, particularly the cationic types, form the possible basis of a prophylactic formulation that primes the candidal target (BEC) against fungal adhesion and infection.     

表面修饰的灯盏花素聚乳酸纳米粒的制备和大鼠体内药动学*

目的:制备灯盏花素聚乳酸纳米粒并对其进行了表面修饰,同时考察了游离药物和纳米药物经大鼠尾静脉注射后在动物体内的药动学。方法:采用自乳化溶剂扩散法制备灯盏花素聚乳酸纳米粒,并用泊洛沙姆188对纳米粒进行表面修饰,采用反相高效液相色谱法(RP-HPLC)测定纳米粒的包封率、载药量和血浆样品中灯盏花素的含量,药时数据采用DASver 1.0药代计算程序处理。结果:载药纳米粒平均粒径为177.2和319.6 nm,多分散指数分别为(0.11±0.01)和(0.12±0.02),平均包封率及载药量分别为(86.9±0.9)%,(8.0±0.2)%和(93.1±0.6)%,(8.5±0.1)%,游离灯盏花素iv后呈二室模型,t1/2β为(0.81±0.14)m in,纳米组则呈一室模型,2种粒径的纳米粒的t1/2β分别为(8.90±0.16)m in(177.2 nm)和(13.90±0.07)m in(319.6 nm)。游离灯盏花素和2种粒径的灯盏花聚乳酸纳米粒的AUC0~t分别为(158.82±69.96),(1 476.25±51.22)和(704.95±25.39)mg.m in.L-1。经t检验,游离药物与纳米药物之间的t1/2β和AUC0~t均有统计学差异(P<0.01)。结论:灯盏花素制成纳米粒后明显增加了药物在动物体内的半衰期,延长了药物在体内的循环时间,且不同粒径的纳米粒对药动学有一定的影响。     

Bis(tri-n-butyltin)oxide induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in immature rat thymocytes

In order to characterise the mechanism of cytotoxicity of the immunotoxic organotin compound bis(tri-n-butyltin)oxide (TBTO) to lymphoid cells, isolated thymocytes from immature rats were exposed to TBTO (0.1–5 M) for up to 6 h. At lower TBTO concentrations (0.1 and 1 M) vital staining showed that only marginal loss of viability occured, although morphological studies demonstrated increased numbers of cells with abnormal features indicative of programmed cell death (apoptosis). These changes included nuclear chromatin condensation (which was associated with increased DNA fragmentation), cytoplasmic contraction and formation of membrane bound apoptotic bodies. When visualised by agarose gel electrophoresis, genomic DNA appeared as a series of fragments with a repeat multiple of 180–200 base pairs. Comparable morphological changes and cleavage of DNA into oligonucleosomal fragments were evident in thymocytes incubated with 10 M methyl prednisolone hemisuccinate (MPS); a glucocorticoid hormone known to induce programmed cell death in thymocytes. Marked cytotoxicity associated with degenerative changes indicative of necrosis was observed in thymocytes incubated with 5 M TBTO. These findings indicate that, at levels which are not overtly cytotoxic, TBTO is capable of inducing programmed cell death in rat thymocytes. This suggest a possible mechanism for the T-cell immunodeficiency previously reported for TBTO in vivo.