Enhancement of the Antiparakeratotic Potency of Calcitriol and Tacalcitol in Liposomal Preparations in the Mouse Tail Test

Abstract

In order to test the advantage of vitamin D(3) preparations in liposomal form, calcitriol, the natural activated form of vitamin D(3), and tacalcitol, a vitamin D(3) analogue, were employed in various concentrations and using different vehicles in the mouse tail test, an animal model for testing the antiparakeratotic efficacy of topical medications. The optimal concentration in petrolatum turned out to be similar to that in commercial preparations. The liposomal preparations were superior to those in petrolatum and to those in nonliposomal phospholipids. The antiparakeratotic potency (drug activity) of liposomal tacalcitol in a concentration of 2 microg/g was twice that of the commercial preparation with a higher concentration of 4 microg/g. These results suggest that the use of liposomal vitamin D(3) preparations can achieve a given antipsoriatic effect with a reduced concentration of the active substance thereby reducing the risk of skin irritation and of hypercalcemia.