Summary
An iodinated derivative of the low molecular weight dermatan sulphate Desmin 370 was
administered to rats by intravenous, subcutaneous and intramuscular routes in conjunction
with unlabelled Desmin 370. Following intravenous injection radiolabel was cleared
from the plasma according to a tri-exponential function with elimination half-lives
of 45 min and 13 h; there was a high concentration in tissues, particularly the kidney,
compared with plasma. The apparent bioavailability following s. c. injection was 52-65%,
but 84-100% after i. m. administration. Undegraded as well as desulphated molecules
were identified in plasma, and intact 125I-Desmin 370 comprised > 85% of the radiolabel in urine 48 h post-injection. Thus
intact Desmin 370 persists for a long period after a single injection. The pharmacological
significance of these findings, however, remainsto be determined.
