Cationic derivative of polyprenol, a potential component of liposomal drug carriers, does not alter renal function in rats

Potential toxicity of a cationic derivative of polyprenol (APren‐7) with lipofecting activity was examined,especially its influence on renal haemodynamics and function, in order to conduct further investigation of its suitability as a component of liposomal drug carriers. Sprague–Dawley rats received daily injections (0.5 mL, s.c.) of liposomes comprised of 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) and APren‐7 (LP); classic liposomes composed of DOPE only (L); water solvent (W). After 4 weeks rats were anaesthetised and a wide spectrum of functional parameters were measured. These included mean arterial blood pressure (MBP), total renal blood flow (RBF), renal cortical, outer and inner medullary blood flow (CBF, OMBF, IMBF, respectively), diuresis, and sodium and solute excretion. Most parameters did not significantly differ between treated and control groups. A lower OMBF/IMBF ratio in liposome‐treated groups (L: 1.0±0.1; LP: 1.1±0.1 vs. W: 1.9±0.3, p