TLC Characterization of Liposomes Containing Angiotensinogen, Angiotensine I, Angiotensine II and Saralazin

Recent studies have described intracellular binding sites for angiotensine II. In vascular smooth muscle it was found that intracellular injection of angiotensin II increases the Ca2+ level. An alternative method for intracellular delivery of drugs is represented by using liposomes. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize liposomes filled with angiotensinogen, angiotensine I (Ang I), angiotensine II (Ang II), and saralasin by a TLC method and examine the physiological effects of these on rat vascular smooth muscle. Ang II (for all concentrations tested in the aqueous phase) and Ang I (for concentrations less than 10−4 M) did not affect the thin‐layer chromatography migration of this type of vesicle, suggesting that dose‐dependent effects on physio‐pharmacological experiments could be studied. On the other hand, this type of experiment could not be performed for salarasin‐ or angiotensinogen‐filled liposomes. Administration of liposomes containing Ang II (10−6 M), Ang I (10−6 M), angiotensinogen (10−6 M) and saralasine (10−6 M) caused the contraction to isolated rat aorta smooth muscle, suggesting the presence of active intracellular binding sites. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.