Methyl isobutyl ketone-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis in B6C3F1 mice: A constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)-mediated mode of action.

In a National Toxicology Program (NTP) chronic inhalation study with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), increases in hepatocellular adenomas and hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas (combined) were observed in male and female B6C3F1 mice at 1800 ppm. A DNA reactive Mode-of-Action (MOA) for this liver tumor response is not supported by the evidence as MIBK and its major metabolites lack genotoxicity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) nuclear receptor-mediated activation has been hypothesized as the MOA for MIBK-induced mouse liver tumorigenesis. To further investigate the MOA for MIBK-induced murine liver tumors, male and female B6C3F1, C57BL/6, and CAR/PXR Knockout (KO) mice were exposed to either 0 or 1800 ppm MIBK for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for a total of 10 days. On day 1, mice were implanted with osmotic mini-pumps containing 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) 1 h following exposure and humanely euthanized 1-3 h following the final exposure. B6C3F1 and C57BL/6 mice had statistically significant increases in liver weights compared to controls that corresponded with hepatocellular hypertrophy and increased mitotic figures. Hepatocellular proliferation data indicated induction of S-phase DNA synthesis in B6C3F1 and C57BL/6 mice exposed to 1800 ppm MIBK compared to control, and no increase was observed in MIBK exposed CAR/PXR KO mice. Liver gene expression changes indicated a maximally-induced Cyp2b10 (CAR-associated) transcript and a slight increase in Cyp3a11(PXR-associated) transcript in B6C3F1 and C57BL/6 mice exposed to 1800 ppm MIBK compared to controls, but not in Cyp1a1 (AhR-associated) or Cyp4a10 (PPAR-α-associated) transcripts. CAR/PXR KO mice exposed to 1800 ppm MIBK showed no evidence of activation of AhR, CAR, PXR or PPAR-α nuclear receptors via their associated transcripts. MIBK induced hepatic effects are consistent with a phenobarbital-like MOA where the initiating events are activation of the CAR and PXR nuclear receptors and resultant hepatocellular proliferation leading to rodent liver tumors.

Chimeric 7E3 Fab (ReoPro) decreases detectable CD11b on neutrophils from patients undergoing coronary angioplasty.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to monitor the effects of chimeric 7E3 Fab (ReoPro) on leukocyte and platelet activation and interaction during coronary angioplasty. BACKGROUND: Increased expression of CD11b on monocytes and neutrophils promotes their adhesion to endothelial cells, extracellular matrix and smooth muscle cells. Thrombin-activated platelets adhere via P-selectin to monocytes and neutrophils. These cell interactions may affect the outcome of coronary angioplasty. METHODS: During coronary angioplasty, venous blood was obtained for flow cytometric detection of leukocyte CD11b; platelet CD41a, CD61a and CD62P; the percentage of leukocytes with adherent platelets and the intensity of bound platelet fluorescence. RESULTS: Leukocyte CD11b expression increased after angioplasty in control patients (neutrophils 171+/-25 to 255+/-31 mean fluorescence intensity [MFI, mean+/-SEM], n=25, p < 0.0001; monocytes 200+/-40 to 248+/-36 MFI, n=17, p < 0.05) and decreased in the patients selected to receive chimeric 7E3 Fab (neutrophils 146+/-30 to 82+/-22 MFI, n=25, p < 0.0001; monocytes 256+/- 53 to 160+/-38 MFI, n= 17, p < 0.05). Neutrophil CD11b decreased after in vitro incubation of whole blood with chimeric 7E3 Fab (n=5, p=0.01), but fMLP-induced increases in CD11b were not prevented. The CD11b expression was unchanged and increased with fMLP stimulation after in vitro incubation of isolated neutrophils with chimeric 7E3 Fab. Direct-labeled chimeric 7E3 Fab was not detected bound to neutrophils in whole blood or isolated cells using flow cytometric techniques. Adhesion of isolated neutrophils to protein-coated glass was not prevented by in vitro incubation with chimeric 7E3 Fab. Platelet activation increased after angioplasty in control patients (CD62P 8.9+/-0.8 to 12.3+/-1.2 MFI, n=25, p < 0.05; CD41a 382+/-25 to 454+/-26 MFI, n=25, p < 0.05, CD61a 436+/-52 to 529+/-58 MFI, n=11, p < 0.05); it did not increase in the patients selected to receive chimeric 7E3 Fab (CD62P 13.2+/-1.0 to 9.0+/-0.9 MFI, n=25, p < 0.05; CD61a 398+/-32 to 410+/-38 MFI, n=7, p=NS). Leukocytes with adherent platelets tended to increase in the control group of patients and decrease after the procedure in patients selected to receive chimeric 7E3 Fab; individual and procedure-related variability were marked. CONCLUSIONS: Despite standard aspirin and heparin therapy, leukocyte and platelet activation with platelet adherence to leukocytes occurs after coronary angioplasty. Although chimeric 7E3 Fab does not bind to leukocytes directly, it influences CD11b expression in whole blood. Modulation of platelet and leukocyte activation and interaction by chimeric 7E3 Fab may contribute to an improved outcome after coronary angioplasty.

Leukocyte activation with platelet adhesion after coronary angioplasty: a mechanism for recurrent disease?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether leukocyte activation occurs, whether leukocyte-platelet complexes develop and whether there is any association between these findings and clinical outcome after coronary angioplasty. BACKGROUND: Increased expression of CD11b on monocytes and neutrophils promotes their adhesion to endothelial cells, extracellular matrix and smooth muscle cells. Thrombin-activated platelets adhere to monocytes and neutrophils through P-selectin. These cell complexes may affect the inflammatory process and, thus, the outcome of coronary angioplasty. METHODS: During elective single-vessel coronary angioplasty in 11 men, samples were obtained for flow cytometric detection of CD11b, as well as the percent of leukocytes with adherent platelets and the intensity of bound platelet fluorescence (number of platelets/leukocyte). RESULTS: After angioplasty, there was an increase in CD11b (monocytes: p = 0.001, neutrophils: p = 0.02) and leukocytes with adherent platelets (p = 0.02). During follow-up, five patients remained in stable condition and six had subsequent clinical events: restenosis and progression of disease requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 3), myocardial infarction involving the dilated artery (n = 1) and unstable angina (n = 2). Values for leukocyte CD11b expression, the percent of leukocytes with adherent platelets and the intensity of bound platelet fluorescence were higher both before and after angioplasty in the six patients experiencing clinical events. CONCLUSIONS: Despite standard aspirin and heparin therapy, leukocyte activation with platelet adherence occurs after coronary angioplasty. The magnitude of leukocyte activation and platelet adherence appears to be higher in patients experiencing late clinical events.

Chemoattractant-induced changes in surface expression and redistribution of a functional ligand for P-selectin on neutrophils.

Adhesion between platelets and neutrophils is mediated through the interaction of P-selectin on activated platelets with a carbohydrate-containing structure on neutrophils, and occurs under both static and shear conditions. Recent studies using flow chambers have shown that neutrophils become activated after binding to surface-adherent platelets expressing P-selectin. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of such activation on the interactions of platelet P-selectin with its ligand on neutrophils. Flow cytometric analyses using P-selectin chimeras revealed that activation induced a rapid and marked reduction in chimera binding, with levels of binding decreased by 71% after 15 minutes of stimulation with the chemotactic agent, FMLP. Using a visual assay of platelet-neutrophil rosetting, we showed that the P-selectin ligand was translocated and clustered at the uropod of neutrophils following the shape changes and polarization induced by chemotactic stimulation. Activated neutrophils bound to surface-adherent platelets also displayed the clustering of P-selectin ligand at the uropod, and these neutrophils detached from the platelets when a shear stress (2 dynes/cm2) was applied through the adhesion chamber. These results indicate that chemotactic stimulation of neutrophils induces changes in the surface expression and distribution of a biologically relevant ligand for P-selectin, and that these changes might influence the adhesive interactions occurring between neutrophils and activated platelets.

P-selectin- and CD18-mediated recruitment of canine neutrophils under conditions of shear stress.

Neutrophil mobilization at sites of inflammation or thrombosis involves the participation of several adhesion molecules expressed on neutrophils and vascular endothelial cells. Local vascular damage with disruption of the endothelium results in adhesion of platelets to the exposed subendothelium, and these platelets could also participate in neutrophil recruitment. This initial phase of mobilization could be followed by heterotypic aggregation to recruit more leukocytes in the area. The present study first examined the interactions of adherent canine platelets and flowing canine neutrophils using an in vitro system that simulates vascular flow conditions. Results showed that collagen-adherent platelets express the adhesion molecule P-selectin on their surface and can support neutrophil arrest (612 +/- 43 neutrophils/mm2) at shear stresses of approximately 2.5 dynes/cm2. Both transient adhesion (manifested by a rolling-type behavior) and complete arrest were observed. These interactions could be totally inhibited by a monoclonal antibody directed against platelet P-selectin (24 +/- 18 neutrophils/mm2) but not by a monoclonal antibody against neutrophil CD18 (625 +/- 46 neutrophils/mm2). Additionally, under shear mixing conditions (700 RPM), canine blood leukocytes exhibited aggregation (> 80% singlets recruited into aggregates after 5 minutes), and this process does not involve P-selectin but is dependent on the neutrophil integrin CD18. However, stimulation of the blood with platelet-activating factor (5-20 ng/ml) induced a rapid aggregation with a significantly greater number of aggregates when compared with stirring alone (68.3% +/- 3.2% versus 35.2% +/- 6.3% at 1 minute, P < 0.05), and this aggregation was both P-selectin and CD18 dependent. Overall, these two mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment (neutrophil arrest on adherent platelets and aggregation) could act sequentially and in a cooperative manner to bring into close contact platelets and neutrophils at sites of inflammation and thrombosis in pathologic conditions in the dog.

Interleukin-8 gene induction in the myocardium after ischemia and reperfusion in vivo.

Neutrophil adhesion and direct cytotoxicity for cardiac myocytes require chemotactic stimulation and are dependent upon CD18-ICAM-1 binding. To characterize the potential role of IL-8 in this interaction, canine IL-8 cDNA was cloned and the mature recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 cells. Recombinant canine IL-8 markedly increased adhesion of neutrophils to isolated canine cardiac myocytes. This adhesion resulted in direct cytotoxicity for cardiac myocytes. Both processes were specifically blocked by antibodies directed against CD18 and IL-8. In vivo, after 1 h of coronary occlusion, IL-8 mRNA was markedly and consistently induced in reperfused segments of myocardium. IL-8 mRNA was not induced in control (normally perfused) myocardial segments. Minimal amounts of IL-8 mRNA were detected after 3 or 4 h of ischemia without reperfusion. Highest levels of induction were evident in the most ischemic myocardial segments. IL-8 mRNA peaked in the first 3 h of reperfusion and persisted at high levels beyond 24 h. IL-8 staining was present in the inflammatory infiltrate near the border between necrotic and viable myocardium, as well as in small veins in the same area. These findings provide the first direct evidence for regulation of IL-8 in ischemic and reperfused canine myocardium and support the hypothesis that IL-8 participates in neutrophil-mediated myocardial injury.

Variations in temperature and oxygen content do not alter levels of thiobarbiturate reactive material in human breast tumour cells (ZR-75-1) incubated with gamma-linolenic acid.

The mechanism by which tumour cells may be killed in vitro by exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids may involve lipid peroxidation. Gamma-linolenic acid caused a dose and time-dependent reduction in ZR-75-1 cell growth. However, altering either the incubator temperature (35, 37 and 39 degrees C) or the oxygen content (16, 21 and 26%) had little effect on either the growth of cells in the presence of gamma-linolenic acid or on thiobarbiturate reactive material levels over a 7 day period. Thus, small changes in cell culture conditions do not affect 18:3n-6 cytotoxicity or markers of lipid peroxidation.

Elevated blood lead levels associated with illegally distilled alcohol.

Whiskey produced in illegal stills (ie, "moonshine") remains an important and underappreciated source of lead toxicity in some rural counties of the Southeast. From March 5 through October 26, 1991, eight adult patients with elevated blood lead levels were identified at a rural county hospital in Alabama and were reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health notifiable disease surveillance system. A case-patient was defined as any person 17 years of age or more who presented to the hospital from January 1, 1990, through December 31, 1991, and had a blood lead level of 0.72 mumol/L or more (15 micrograms/dL or more). To identify cases and potential sources of lead exposure, we reviewed medical and laboratory records from the hospital, interviewed patients with elevated blood lead levels, and determined the lead content of moonshine samples. Nine patients met the case definition, including one patient who was not reported to the state. Patients ranged in age from 28 to 62 years; blood lead values ranged from 0.77 to 12.50 mumol/L (16 to 259 micrograms/dL). The most frequent signs of possible lead toxicity included seizures (six), microcytic anemia (five), and encephalopathy (two); one patient died. The only identified source of lead exposure for the nine patients was moonshine ingestion. Moonshine samples available from local stills contained sufficient amounts of lead (340 to 4600 mumol/L) to result in the observed blood lead levels. This investigation emphasizes the adverse health effects and ongoing public health impact of moonshine ingestion.

Recruitment of CD11b/CD18 to the neutrophil surface and adherence-dependent cell locomotion.

Chemotactic stimulation of neutrophils results in translocation of CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) from intracellular storage pools to the cell surface. Though results from several laboratories indicate that the newly arrived surface Mac-1 is not involved in the adherence induced by the initial stimulus, the present study addresses the hypothesis that this Mac-1 plays a role in subsequent adherence-dependent functions. The response of human neutrophils to changing concentrations of a chemotactic stimulus was evaluated by determining the amount of newly arrived surface Mac-1, and Mac-1-dependent adhesion and locomotion. Small step-wise increases in the concentration of f-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP) resulted in proportional stepwise increases in surface Mac-1 that plateaued within 2-4 min. This newly arrived Mac-1 supported adhesion to protein-coated surfaces only when the cells were exposed to an additional increase in the FMLP stimulus level. Adherence-dependent cellular locomotion was evaluated in chambers that allowed rapid changes in the stimulus concentration. Repeated small increments in the stimulus level at 200-s intervals resulted in significantly longer migration paths than a single-step increase in the stimulus. The results support the hypothesis that small increments in the chemotactic stimulus bring Mac-1 to the cell surface, and this newly mobilized Mac-1 is available for adherence-dependent locomotion with subsequent increases in the concentration of the stimulus.

Role of pulmonary phagocytes in host defense against group B streptococci in preterm versus term rabbit lung.

Intrapulmonary clearance of group B streptococci (GBS) occurred in term rabbits 4 and 8 h after infection; GBS growth was evident in preterm rabbits at 8 h. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed 17-fold higher numbers of pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) in term versus preterm animals immediately after infection, whereas polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) recruitment was 13-fold greater in preterm than term rabbits at 8 h. Anti-CD18 monoclonal antibody R15.7 did not reduce PMNL influx or GBS killing in term animals. R15.7 failed to inhibit PMNL influx but augmented GBS growth in preterm animals. R15.7 significantly impaired GBS phagocytosis by preterm and term PMNL in vitro but had no effect on ingestion of GBS by preterm and term PAM. Thus, GBS infection initiates PMNL recruitment into lungs of preterm rabbits by CD18-independent mechanisms, but phagocytosis of GBS by PMNL is largely CD18-dependent. The poorer outcome of GBS pneumonia in preterm versus term newborns may result from low levels of PAM, thereby mandating recruitment of PMNL as a second phagocytic defense.

Molecular definition of the bovine granulocytopathy syndrome: identification of deficiency of the Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) glycoprotein.

Leukocytosis (34,600 WBC/microliter of blood) was detected in an apparently healthy 7-day-old Holstein heifer. Analysis of blood samples obtained over the next 41 days revealed chronic progressive neutrophilia, which peaked at greater than 85% neutrophils and exceeded 100,000 WBC/microliter. In vitro assessment of isolated blood neutrophils obtained from the heifer at 38 and 45 days of age revealed selected functional abnormalities. Endocytosis of immunoglobulin-opsonized Staphylococcus aureus and killing of this test organism by the calf's neutrophils were significantly diminished, as were phagocytosis-associated superoxide generation, chemiluminescence activity, and myeloperoxidase-catalyzed iodination. Diminished H2O2 elaboration by the calf's neutrophils was evident during ingestion of opsonized zymosan or on exposure to phorbol myristate acetate. Extracellular release (secretion) of elastase during ingestion of zymosan was also diminished, although total cell content of elastase was normal, compared with that of neutrophils from age-matched calves, and granular or other morphologic abnormalities of the calf's neutrophils were not evident by ultrastructural examination. Abnormalities of random migration were inconsistently detected, and normal or high degree of antibody-dependent cytotoxicity or natural killing by the calf's neutrophils was observed. Similar in vitro assessment of neutrophils obtained from the calf's dam revealed no functional abnormalities. The calf died at 48 days of age, with persistent fever and chronic diarrhea, despite administration of antibiotics. Histologic examination at necropsy revealed large numbers of intravascular neutrophils in most tissues, including massive neutrophil sequestration in spleen. However, a striking lack of extravascular neutrophils was evident in inflamed submucosa adjacent to intestinal ulcers heavily contaminated with enteric microorganisms. Bone marrow examination revealed diffuse myeloid hyperplasia, but no other abnormalities.

Effects of macrocyclic trichothecene congeners on the viability and mitogenesis of murine splenic lymphocytes.

The effects of several congeners of the macrocyclic class of trichothecene mycotoxins on murine splenic cells in vitro were investigated. The mycotoxins were roritoxin B, myrotoxin B, roridins A, D and E, baccharinoids B4, B5 and B12, 16-hydroxyverrucarin A, and verrucarins A and J. Lymphocytes from CD-1 mice were cultured with each of the mycotoxins for 48 h to assess cytotoxicity. The maximum effect of various trichothecenes produced on cells occurred at concentrations ranging from 10(-6) to 10(-4) M. Mycotoxins had no effect at concentrations ranging from 10(-12) to 10(-7) M. The mitogenic stimulants concanavalin A, lipopolysaccharide, phytohemagglutinin, and pokeweed mitogen were added to splenic lymphocyte cultures along with varying concentrations of selected mycotoxins. Blastogenesis was inhibited at concentrations 2-5 orders of magnitude lower than those which produced lethality on resting lymphocytes.

Subclinical effects of groundwater contaminants. III. Effects of repeated oral exposure to combinations of benzene and toluene on immunologic responses in mice.

Toxicity of environmental pollutants may be expressed as combined effects of a chemicals. Benzene, a proven hematotoxic agent, frequently occurs with toluene in cocontaminated groundwater. Groups of CD-1 male mice were exposed continuously for 4 weeks to benzene (166 mg/l), toluene (80 and 325 mg/l), and combinations of benzene (166 mg/l) + toluene (80 mg/l or 325 mg/l) in drinking water. Benzene-induced anemia was alleviated by simultaneous toluene treatment. Leukopenia and lymphopenia were observed in the case of benzene only and benzene + toluene (80 mg/l)-treated mice. The cytopenia, however, was less severe in the benzene + toluene (325 mg/l)-treated group. Immunotoxicity induced by benzene treatment alone was characterized by involution of thymic mass and suppressions of both B- and T-cell mitogeneses, mixed lymphocyte culture response to alloantigens, the tumor lytic ability of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes as determined by 51Cr-release assay, and antibody production response to T-dependent antigen (sheep red blood cells). IL-2 secretion by Con A-stimulated mouse T-cells was decreased in the benzene-treated group. Toluene (325 mg/l) completely inhibited these adverse effects when it was coadministered with benzene, while the low dose of toluene (80 mg/l) did not protect against benzene-induced depressions of immune functions. Toluene administered alone at levels up to 325 mg/l showed no obvious immunotoxic effects. Results of this study demonstrated that toluene, in sufficient amounts, has an antagonistic effect on benzene immunotoxicity.

Canine neutrophil activation by cardiac lymph obtained during reperfusion of ischemic myocardium.

Cardiac lymph from a canine model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion was examined for evidence of chemotactic activity. Lymph was continuously collected from awake animals before and during a 60-minute coronary artery occlusion and up to 6 hours after the initiation of reperfusion. It was assessed for the ability to activate the following proinflammatory functions in neutrophils isolated from the blood of healthy dogs: 1) morphological changes characteristic of chemotactic stimulation, which were assessed by phase contrast microscopy, 2) orientation of canine neutrophils in a gradient of cardiac lymph, which was assessed in Zigmond chambers, 3) the binding of monoclonal antibodies reactive with CD11b and CD18 adherence glycoproteins, which was assessed by flow cytometry, and 4) adherence of canine neutrophils to monolayers of canine jugular vein endothelium, which was assessed in vitro by a visual assay. Lymph samples collected after 1 hour of reperfusion in animals demonstrating ECG evidence of ischemia and histological evidence of infarction exhibited significant stimulatory activity for each of the functions tested. Shape change-inducing activity was evaluated at more frequent intervals than other functions and was found to peak at 1 hour after initiation of reperfusion and to disappear by 6 hours. In addition, the CD11b/CD18 levels on neutrophils isolated from cardiac lymph collected during reperfusion were significantly greater than neutrophils obtained before or during occlusion. Animals that failed to exhibit evidence of infarction also failed to exhibit increased stimulatory activity in lymph collected during reperfusion, and surface levels of CD11b/CD18 on neutrophils collected from reperfusion lymph were not elevated. This study provides direct evidence supporting the hypothesis that chemotactic activity is generated in ischemic and reperfused myocardium.

Juvenile cellulitis in dogs: 15 cases (1979-1988).

The records of 15 dogs diagnosed as having juvenile cellulitis (juvenile pyoderma, puppy strangles) were evaluated for clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic results. Mandibular lymphadenopathy was observed in 14 dogs, and was not associated with skin lesions in 5 dogs. Edema, pustules, papules, or crusts were noticed periorally, periocularly, on the chin or muzzle, or in the ears of those dogs with skin lesions. Eight dogs were lethargic; fever and anorexia were inconsistent findings. Four dogs had signs of pain on manipulation of their joints. Complete blood counts revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia in 4 dogs, and normocytic, normochromic anemia in 6 dogs. Three dogs had suppurative lymphadenitis with many neutrophils. Cytology of the aspirate of pustules or abscesses in 6 dogs revealed many neutrophils without bacteria. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp were isolated from draining lesions in 2 dogs. Intact abscesses and lymph nodes were negative for bacterial growth in 4 dogs. Three of these dogs were being administered antibiotics at the time of bacterial culturing. Cytology of the aspirates of joints in 3 of the 4 dogs with joint pain revealed suppurative arthritis with no bacteria, and the aspirates were negative for bacterial growth on culturing, although all 3 dogs were being administered antibiotics at the time of culturing. Of 12 dogs initially treated with antibiotics, only 4 (33%) responded favorably; the other 8 dogs were then given antibiotics and corticosteroids. Three dogs were initially given antibiotics and corticosteroids. All dogs treated concurrently with antibiotics and corticosteroids responded favorably. One of these dogs had a relapse after treatment was discontinued. The concurrent arthritis in 4 of the dogs resolved with treatment of the juvenile cellulitis and did not redevelop once the medication was discontinued. Concurrent treatment with antibiotics (cephalosporins) and prednisone (2.2 mg/kg of body weight/day) was the most consistently effective treatment in the dogs in this study.

Monoclonal antibody targeting of liposomes to mouse lung in vivo.

A monoclonal antibody (MoAb), 273-34A, specifically binds to an epitope expressed almost exclusively on capillary endothelial cells of the lung. Within 15 min after i.v. injection, approximately 80 to 85% of the injected radioiodinated MoAb 273-34A accumulates in the lung. Approximately 90 to 95% of the recovered dose is found in the lung for up to 1 week postinjection. Ratios of MoAb 273-34A to a nonspecific, irrelevant MoAb 135-14 are 250 to 285 times higher in the lung than in the serum. When 273-34A was coupled with palmitic acid and incorporated into liposomes, the amount of 125I-labeled liposomes recovered per g of tissue was 12 times higher in the lung than in the liver at 15 min postinjection, and 22 times higher at 5 h postinjection. At 24 h postinjection the amount of liposomes per gram of lung tissue was still 6.0 times the amount per gram of liver tissue. Liposomes conjugated to MoAb 273-34A locate in the lung 20 and 15 times better than do liposomes conjugated to the nonspecific MoAb 135-14 at 15 min and 24 h postinjection, respectively. The results indicate that this immunoliposome system could be used as a model for enhanced drug delivery to the lung. The potential use for delivering anticancer drugs for therapy of lung tumors is discussed.