A Retrospective Analysis for Different Routes of Administration in Mice-Percutaneous Retro-Orbital, Jugular Catheter, Tail Vein and Femoral Cut Down Injections

Liposomes effectively transport fatty proteins to targeted tissues. Laboratory experiments use multiple methods to administer liposomes, but comparison of these methods is not available. In this retrospective study, we characterized and compared four intravenous administration routes (tail vein, jugular catheter, femoral vein and percutaneous retro-orbital injections) in murine models. ApoE-/- mice were used to compare administration routes. Results indicate that the jugular catheter route delivered the highest amount of liposomes to tissues due to longer period of injections compared to other routes;however, this route failed to remain patent for 8/10 animals. Delivery via tail vein, femoral vein and percutaneous retro-orbital injections resulted in similar accumulation in the organs. When including technical difficulty and expense, percutaneous retro-orbital injections of liposomes are the most convenient and efficacious approach.