Figure 4. . Imaging of folate-targeted liposome uptake in mice induced to develop ulcerative colitis and implanted with folate receptor-positive tumors.

Uptake of fluorescent liposomes in Balb/C mice with ulcerative colitis and M109 tumors (A), or DBA/2 mice with ulcerative colitis and L1210A tumors (B) was imaged using a Kodak Imaging Station. Mice were injected (tail vein) with folate-targeted liposomes loaded with DiD (targeted), NT-liposome-DiD (nontargeted), or a 100-fold excess of unlabeled folate-PEG-liposomes to block all available folate receptors, followed by folate-targeted liposomes loaded with DiD 1 h later (competition). Images were obtained 12 h after liposome injection.

DiD: 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindodicarbocyanine.