Inducing a change in the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of poly-L-lysine in rats by complexation with heparin.

The aim of our study was to induce changes in the plasma elimination half-life (t(1/2)(elim)), rate and extent of urinary excretion, and biodistribution of a model macromolecule, poly-L-lysine, in rats following complexation with heparin. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed intravenously with either unfractionated [(3)H]heparin, FITC-labelled poly-L-lysine, or an [(3)H]heparin:FITC-labelled poly-L-lysine complex. Serum and blood concentration vs time and urinary excretion profiles were determined as well as the resulting patterns of biodistribution to liver, spleen, kidney, and muscle tissue.