Cross-talk between 5-hydroxytryptamine and substance P in the melanogensis and apoptosis of B16F10 melanoma cells.

Skin pigmentation is a complex process controlled by many different factors. Substance P (SP) regulates many biological functions, including melanogenesis and stress. Our previous study indicated that regulation of SP on melanocyte function was mediated by neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1 receptor).

Optimized preparation, characterization and biodistribution in heart of breviscapine lipid emulsion.

Breviscapine is a Traditional Chinese Medicine treating cardiovascular diseases by promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. The major active component of breviscapine has low aqueous solubility, poor chemical stability, short biological half-life and rapid elimination rate from the plasma. The use of a lipid emulsion formulation containing breviscapine might improve chemical stability, increase drug loading, exhibit sustained release profile.

Characterization, biodistribution and targeting evaluation of breviscapine lipid emulsions following intravenous injection in mice.

Breviscapine lipid emulsions were prepared by a high speed dispersion-homogenization method with optimal formulation and technological method. The proportion of liposomes in breviscapine lipid emulsions, an important character for determining the behavior of drug in vivo belongs to which carriers, was less than 5%. Loading breviscapine into lipid emulsions did increase the breviscapine concentrations in plasma, retarded the clearance, and exhibited the properties of sustained-release concluded by pharmacokinetic parameters: after bolus administration, the elimination phase (t(1/2(β)) = 99.