EFFECTS OF LIPOSOME-ENTRAPPED ADENOSINE IN THE ISOLATED RAT AORTA

This study examined the effects of adenosine- and adenosine deaminase loaded liposomes upon the contractile activity of the vascular smooth muscle, using the isolated, de-endothelised rat aorta ring as in vitro model. While control liposomes had no effect, intraliposomal adenosin e (5X10(-3) M) induced contraction of the preparation. Intraliposomal adenosine deaminase induced partial relaxation of high K+-precontracte d rings. The adenosine-induced contraction seems to involve Ca2+ influ x through L-type channels as an essential component, but protein kinas e C may also have a modulatory role.