Figure 4.

α_vβ₃-Targeted nanoparticles accumulate in the reticuloendothelial system. A) Cryosections from different organs were examined for nanoparticle accumulation (red). Blood vessels were visualized with FITC-lectin (green). On d 5 after the initiation of nanoparticle injection, blood samples were drawn, and liver enzymes, including serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST; B), alanine aminotransferase (ALT; C), and alkaline phosphatase (AP; D) were assessed. Increase in liver enzymes was transient, with levels falling toward normal on d 11 after initiation of nanotherapy (E). Values are means ± se; 3–4 animals/group. *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01.