Drag-reducing polymers: A novel class of diuretic and natriuretic compounds

Summary

Previous studies have demonstrated that Separan AP-30, a drag-reducing polymer, significantly decreased the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits fed a highcholesterol diet. Furthermore, Separan AP-273, a polymer similar to but longer than Separan AP-30, markedly increased cardiac output in open-chest rats. Preliminary studies in our laboratory have described diuresis and natriuresis following the intravenous infusion of Separan AP-273. These studies did not determine whether this natriuresis was common to drag-reducing polymers or unique to Separan. In the present study the renal effects of two chemically dissimilar drag-reducing polymers of molecular lengths approaching ∼100 microns were compared. Sprague-Dawley rats (250–300 g) were anesthetized (Nembutal^x) and a tracheostomy was performed. A baseline level of sodium and water excretion was established by the infusion of saline (0.097 ml/min, IV). Separan (0.004%), an anionic polyacrylamide; Polyox (0.4%), a poly(ethylene oxide); or mannitol (20%), an osmotic diuretic, was infused into the jugular vein at 0.0034 ml/min. Separan and Polyox both increased the excretion of sodium and water (p<0.05). At the doses tested, potassium excretion was unaltered in both groups. Separan, but not Polyox, produced a modest increase in blood pressure. Creatinine clearance was unaltered. At this infusion rate, only hypertonic concentrations of mannitol (20%) induced a similar effect. These results indicate that drag-reducing polymers may represent a novel class of potassium-sparing diuretic and natriuretic compounds. The ability of this class of polymers to decrease the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, increase blood flow, and produce a potassium-sparing natriuresis may be of practical clinical significance.