[Cutaneous administration of liposomes--a review of the literature with special reference to findings from keratinocyte cultures, animal experiments and clinical studies].

Recent findings regarding the topical application of liposomes are reviewed under 3 headings: (1) keratinocyte cultures, (2) animal experiments, and (3) clinical studies. Under cell culturing conditions, liposomes are able to get into direct contact with living keratinocytes--just as in cutaneous application when the barrier of the horny layer is missing (i.e. in case of superficial skin defects or unkeratinized mucocutaneoaus surfaces). Under these circumstances, keratinocytes show liposomal alterations of the cell structure, proliferation, and lipid fluidity. Animal experiments and clinical studies have pointed out that, in comparison with a conventional formulation, a liposomal way of application can enhance the penetration of various substances as well as their toposelective enrichment in the skin, since the dermal-vascular absorption is diminished.