Abstract
Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is a potent vasodilator as well as an inhibitor for platelet aggregation. Because of these properties, PGE1 has clinically been used for the treatment of several vascular disorders such as arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). Since PGE1 is rapidly inactivated in the lung and the distribution of PGE1 to a whole body induced its systemic effects as diarrhea and hypotension. Moreover, PGE1 causes an irritation in the blood vessels near the site of injection. To avoid these therapeutic problems of PGE1, we incorporated PGE1 in lipid microsphere with an average particle size of 0.2μm, whose suspension is in widespread use for parenteral nutrition in man. We tried to compare effects of lipo PGE1 (PGE1 incorporated in LM) with those of commercially available PGE1.
The results was that lipo PGE1 showed a much more beneficial effect than free PGE1 for several vascular diseases with atherosclerosis. Improvement of intermittent claudication, rest pain and skin ulceration in patients with ASO. Decrease of frequency of chest pain in patients with angina pectoris. Slight improvement of hemiparesis and aphasia in patients with cerebral infarction. Improvement of numbness, spontaneous pain, hypesthesia and sensation of cold in patients with diabetic neuropathy. No side effects were recognized in lipo PGE treatment.
