Cell-based drug-delivery platforms.

Cell systems have recently emerged as biological drug carriers, as an interesting alternative to other systems such as micro- and nano-particles. Different cells, such as carrier erythrocytes, bacterial ghosts and genetically engineered stem and dendritic cells have been used. They provide sustained release and specific delivery of drugs, enzymatic systems and genetic material to certain organs and tissues.

Comparative study of the disposition of levofloxacin, netilmicin and cefepime in the isolated rat lung.

An experimental model of artificially perfused and mechanically ventilated lung has been applied to compare the kinetic behaviour of levofloxacin, cefepime and netilmicin in this body tissue. The study has been performed to explore the usefulness of the isolated lung technique in the pharmacokinetic field, particularly to study the disposition of antibiotics in pulmonary tissue. The lung was perfused with Krebs-Henseleit medium containing 3% bovine albumin at a flow rate of 5 mL min(-1).

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of levofloxacin in intensive care patients.

Objective: A prospective pharmacokinetic study was performed in Caucasian patients from an intensive care unit with respiratory support to evaluate the influence of this circumstance on the pharmacokinetic behaviour of levofloxacin.

Patients And Methods: A standard dosage regimen of 500 mg/day was administered to nine Caucasian patients included in the study, irrespective of their demographic characteristics. The experimental data on plasma concentrations were analysed by independent-modelling techniques to estimate the following pharmacokinetic parameters: area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC), volume of distribution at steady state (V(ss)), plasma clearance (CL), maximum plasma concentration at steady state (C(max)(,)(ss)) and elimination half-life (t((1/2))(beta)).

Influence of flow rate on the disposition of levofloxacin and netilmicin in the isolated rat lung.

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of the rate at which the tissue is perfused on the disposition of levofloxacin and netilmicin in the pulmonary tissue, using an experimental model of the isolated rat lung. Analysis of the results was performed using two pharmacokinetic approaches. By stochastic analysis of outflow curves the corresponding statistical moments and derived distribution coefficient were calculated.