abstract |
Disclosed are fluorocarbon emulsions comprising amino acids and substances related to amino acids, such as substituted amino acids or amphoteric groups of amino acid side chains, for example, the imidazolyl group of histidine. Emulsion formulations comprising imidazole and imidazole based drugs possess anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties which counteract transient inflammatory responses which occur when these emulsions are administered in vivo. Lipid constituents of histidine-containing emulsions are protected against oxidation caused by free radical formation. Disclosed also are emulsion formulations buffered with amino acids comprising histidine, imidazole, and related compounds that have a buffering capacity sufficient to maintain the emulsion pH within a specified range under storage conditions and protect these emulsions from the endogenous production of acid. Disclosed also is a method of calculation which assists in the selection of an optimum buffer composition and concentration to preserve physiological compatibility and stability of the emulsions within selected pH limits. |