The sympathetic axons innervating the sinus node of the rabbit possess presynaptic opioid к- but not μ- or δ-receptors

Summary The postganglionic sympathic nerves of rabbit isolated hearts were stimulated with pulses delivered at 5 Hz and train durations of 1–5 s. Ethylketocyclazone 0.01–1 mol/l and fentanyl 1 and 10 mol/l but not morphine 1 and 10 mol/l, Met-enkephalin 1 and 4 mol/l or d-Ala², d-Leu⁵-enkephalin 0.5 and 5 mol/l diminished the stimulation-evoked increase in heart rate. The effect of ethylketocyclazocine 0.1 mol/l was antagonized by naloxone 1 and 10 mol/l. In contrast, the effect of fentanyl was not changed by naloxone 10 mol/l. Ethylketocyclazocine 0.03 and 1 mol/l did not reduce the tachycardia elicited by exogenous noradrenaline. The results suggest that, under in vitro conditions, only presynaptic opioid - but not - or -receptors inhibit the release of noradrenaline from the sympathetic neurones innervating the sinus node.     

Pravastatin,an HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor,Is Transported by Rat Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide,oatp2

Purpose. We previously demonstrated the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, pravastatin, is actively taken up into isolated rat hepatocytes through multispecific organic anion transporters. The present study examined whether a newly cloned organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp2) transports pravastatin. Methods. We investigated functional expression of oatp2 in Xenopus laevis oocytes, to examine [¹⁴C] pravastatin uptake. Results. [¹⁴C] Pravastatin (30 M) uptake into oatp2 cRNA-injected oocytes was 40 times higher than that of water-injected control oocytes. The oatp2-mediated pravastatin uptake was Na⁺-independent and saturable. The Michaelis-Menten constant was 37.5 ± 9.9 M, a level comparable to that obtained in isolated rat hepatocytes in our previous study. As is the case with rat hepatocytes, the uptake of pravastatin (30 M) was inhibited by 300 M concentrations of taurocholate, cholate, bromosulfophthalein, estradiol-17-glucuronide, and simvastatin acid, but not by para-aminohippurate. On the other hand, [¹⁴C] simvastatin acid (30 M) uptake of oatp2 cRNA-injected oocytes was not significantly different from that of water-injected oocytes. Conclusions. The cloned oatp2 was identified as the transporter responsible for the active hepatocellular pravastatin uptake.     

The Mechanism of Uptake of Biodegradable Microparticles in Caco-2 Cells Is Size Dependent

Purpose. To study the uptake of biodegradable microparticles in Caco-2 cells. Methods. Biodegradable microparticles of polylactic polyglycolic acid co-polymer (PLGA 50:50) of mean diameters 0.1 m, 1 m, and 10 m containing bovine serum albumin as a model protein and 6-coumarin as a fluorescent marker were formulated by a multiple emulsion technique. The Caco-2 cell monolayers were incubated with each diameter microparticles (100 g/ml) for two hours. The microparticle uptake in Caco-2 cells was studied by confocal microscopy and also by quantitating the 6-coumarin content of the microparticles taken up by the cells. The effects of microparticle concentration, and incubation time and temperature on microparticle cell uptake were also studied. Results. The study demonstrated that the Caco-2 cell microparticle uptake significantly depends upon the microparticle diameter. The 0.1 m diameter microparticles had 2.5 fold greater uptake on the weight basis than the 1 m and 6 fold greater than the 10 m diameter microparticles. Similarly in terms of number the uptake of 0.1 m diameter microparticles was 2.7 × 10³ fold greater than the 1 m and 6.7 × 10⁶ greater than the 10 m diameter microparticles. The efficiency of uptake of 0.1 m diameter microparticles at 100 g/ml concentration was 41% compared to 15% and 6% for the 1 m and the 10 m diameter microparticles, respectively. The Caco-2 cell microparticle (0.1 m) uptake increased with concentration in the range of 100 g/ml to 500 g/ml which then reached a plateau at higher concentration. The uptake of microparticles increased with incubation time, reaching a steady state at two hours. The uptake was greater at an incubation temperature of 37°C compared to at 4°C. Conclusions. The Caco-2 cell microparticle uptake was microparticle diameter, concentration, and incubation time and temperature dependent. The small diameter microparticles (0.1 m) had significantly greater uptake compared to larger diameter microparticles. The results thus suggest that the mechanism of uptake of microparticles in Caco-2 cell is particle diameter dependent. Caco-2 cells are used as an in vitro model for gastrointestinal uptake, and therefore the results obtained in these studies could be of significant importance in optimizing the microparticle-based oral drug delivery systems.     

Accumulation of 3H-(±)-noradrenaline by isolated rat liver cells

Summary Using hepatocytes isolated by collagenase perfusion, we studied the accumulation of ³-noradrenaline. Cells incubated during 15 min in the presence of 0.4 mol/l ³H-noradrenaline (without inhibition of noradrenaline metabolism) accumulated 8.32 ± 1.77 pmol/10⁶ cells (n = 3). The accumulation of ³H-noradrenaline in isolated parenchymal liver cells was sensitive to 10 mol/l cocaine (inhibition 36.6 ± 7.9%, n = 3) and 1 mol/l desipramine (inhibition 27.2 ± 6.9, n = 3). Accumulation of ³H-noradrenaline was temperature and sodium dependent (inhibition 33.2 ± 9.4%, n = 9, when Na⁺ was replaced by Tris⁺) and was influenced by the inhibition of the membrane Na⁺-K⁺-adenosine triphosphatase (Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase) by 150 mol/l ouabain (34.7 ± 6.9% inhibition, n = 3). Accumulation of 3H-noradrenaline in the hepatocytes was not affected by the presence of uptake₂ inhibitors, normetanephrine (30 mol/l) and corticosterone (30 mol/l), but was reduced by 30 mol/l isoprenaline (76.3 ± 5.0% inhibition, n = 6). Thus, the system that takes up and accumulates noradrenaline in the isolated rat liver cells possesses some characteristics of both, uptake₁ and uptake₂ systems and appears to be different from other extraneuronal cocaine-sensitive systems, such as the one reported for pulmonary endothelial cells. Send offprint request to M. I. Masana at the above address     

Taurolithocholate inhibits taurocholate uptake by isolated hepatocytes at low concentrations

Summary The cholestatic bile acid taurolithocholate inhibits taurocholate uptake by isolated liver cells non-competitively. Inhibition is instantaneous and inversely related to the cell number in the incubate. The K _i amounts to 7 M in the presence of 2 mg cellular protein per ml. Secretion of taurocholate by isolated liver cells is not affected by taurolithocholate up to a concentration of 50 M. This indicates a difference between the carrier for taurocholate uptake and the carrier for taurocholate secretion. Inhibition of bile acid uptake by liver cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of lithocholate-induced cholestasis.     

In-Vitro Dissolution Profile Comparison: Statistics and Analysis,Model Dependent Approach

Purpose. To develop and propose a model dependent approach for the in-vitro dissolution profiles comparison. Methods. Diltiazem hydrochloride tablet dissolution profiles were compared using a statistical approach based on a mathematical model. A similarity region (SR) was defined based on the intra- and inter-lot parameter variances of the final production size standard lots. Statistical distances between the test and reference lot parameter means were computed and normalized. A 90% confidence region (CR) was developed around the statistical distance. The confidence region was compared with the similarity region to assess the similarity or dis-similarity of the test and reference (REF) lot dissolution profiles. Two test lots, one with a minor modification (mm) the other with a major modification (MM), were evaluated. Results. Weibull was selected as the model function. A comparison of the confidence regions around the statistical distance of mm-REF and MM-REF with the similarity region, suggested that the dissolution profiles of the minor modification lot were similar and that of major modification lot were dis-similar to the reference lot. Conclusions. A model dependent approach was shown to be useful for the inter-lot in-vitro dissolution profiles comparison.     

Modulation of rat brain α-adrenoreceptor populations four weeks after stimulation of the nucleus locus coeruleus

We previously showed that electrical stimulation of the nucleus locus coeruleus was followed 4 weeks later by a greatly improved performance in the acquisition of a food-reinforced operant task. To ascertain whether adrenergic receptors were involved in this long-term behavioral modification, we studied the characteristics of the ₁, ₂, and -adrenoreceptors of the cerebral cortex 4 weeks after stimulation of the locus coeruleus. This stimulation induced a slight (14%) but significant increase in the number of ₁-receptor [(³H) WB 4101 binding sites] as well a rise in the number of ₂-receptor [(³H) clonidine binding sites]. The later rise mainly affected high-affinity ₂ sites (36%) and the number of low-affinity sites remained unchanged. No significant alteration in the number of -receptors [(³H)-dihydroalprenolol binding sites] was observed. To confirm this biochemical result, the effect of very small doses of clonidine (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg) was tested on locomotor activity in the open-field. In rats stimulated 4 weeks before injection, clonidine induced a biphasic effect, comprising firstly sedation which occurred 30 min after injection, and secondly, long-term hyperactivity which began 24 h after injection. For the 5 g/kg dose, this rebound of activity was detectable 8 days after injection. In implanted, control rats, only the sedative effect was observed. These findings are interpreted in relation to the current theories about -adrenoreceptors.     

Polar Molecular Surface Properties Predict the Intestinal Absorption of Drugs in Humans

Purpose. A theoretical method has been devised for prediction of drug absorption after oral administration to humans. Methods. Twenty structurally diverse model drugs, ranging from 0.3 to 100% absorbed, were investigated. The compounds also displayed diversity in physicochemical properties such as lipophilicity, hydrogen bonding potential and molecular size. The dynamic molecular surface properties of the compounds were calculated, taking into account their three-dimensional shape and flexibility. Results. An excellent sigmoidal relationship was established between the absorbed fraction after oral administration to humans (FA) and the dynamic polar molecular surface area (PSA_d) (r² = 0.94). The relationship was stronger than those obtained for more established predictors of drug absorption. Drugs that are completely absorbed (FA > 90%) had a PSA_d 60 ² while drugs that are < 10% absorbed had a PSA_d > 140 ². Conclusions. The results indicate that PS Ad can be used to differentiate poorly absorbed drugs at an early stage of the drug discovery process.     

Percutaneous Absorption of Biologically-Active Interferon-gamma in a Human Skin Graft-Nude Mouse Model

Purpose. Topical delivery has been suggested to reduce systemic side effects while targeting cytokines for the treatment of certain skin conditions. Liposomes have been proposed as an enhancing agent for such a delivery. We have tested the potential of liposomes to augment the uptake of biologically active recombinant human interferon-gamma (rhIFN-) into human skin lacking adnexa in an in vivo model. Methods. Stable grafts of human skin on nude mice were used to test aqueous formulations of rhIFN- containing or lacking liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. Transport of rhIFN- was assessed by monitoring the stimulated expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by keratinocytes by light-level immunomicroscopy and ELISA. Results. A single application of liposomal rhIFN- increased ICAM-1 levels in the epidermal basal and suprabasal cell layers of grafts. Continued application maintained this response. An aqueous formulation of rhIFN- or liposomes alone applied to grafts failed to induce an ICAM-1 response. Preliminary studies suggested that at least some of the lipids applied in the liposomal formulation also entered the epidermis. Conclusions. Using a nude mouse-human skin graft model lacking adnexa, we have demonstrated that a liposomal formulation can augment the uptake of a biologically-active human cytokine, rhIFN-, into the epidermis of viable human skin. The therapeutic application of topical IFN- delivery remains to be evaluated.     

Intestinal Transport of β-Lactam Antibiotics: Analysis of the Affinity at the H+/Peptide Symporter (PEPT1), the Uptake into Caco-2 Cell Monolayers and the Transepithelial Flux

Purpose. This study on the intestinal transport of -lactam antibiotics was undertaken to investigate the correlation between cellular transport parameters and the bioavailability. Methods. Transport of 23 -lactam antibiotics was characterized by measuring their ability to inhibit the uptake of glycylsarcosine into Caco-2 cells, their uptake into the cells and their total flux across the cell monolayers. Results. Ceftibuten and cyclacillin were recognized by PEPT1 with affinity constants comparable to those of natural dipeptides (K_i = 0.3 and 0.5 mM, respectively). Cefadroxil, cefamandole, cephradine, cefaclor, cefuroxime-axetil, cefixime, cephalotin, cephalexin and ampicillin also interacted with PEPT1 (K_i = 7-14 mM). In contrast, cefapirin, cefodizime, cefuroxime, cefmetazole, ceftazidime, benzyl-penicillin, ceftriaxone, cefpirome, cefotaxime, cefepime, cephaloridine and cefsulodin displayed no affinity to the transport system (K_i > 20 mM). The uptake into the cells and the transepithelial flux was highest for those -lactam antibiotics, which showed the strongest inhibition of [¹⁴C]Gly-Sar transport (p < 0.0001). Exceptions were cefuroxim-axetil and cephalotin. Conclusions. The probability of oral bioavailability for -lactam antibiotics is mainly determined by their affinity to PEPT1. A threshold K_i value of 14 mM with respect to Gly-Sar uptake is required.     

Temperature related effects on the binding characteristics of beta-adrenergic receptor agonists and antagonists by rabbit lung

Summary The effects of incubation temperature on binding characteristics of -adrenergic receptor agonists and antagonists were examined in rabbit whole lung membrane fragments. [³H] Dihydroalprenolol ([³H] DHA) exhibited single component, non-cooperative binding at 37°C and 25°C with characteristics representative of -adrenergic receptors. Inhibition of [³H] DHA binding by l-propranolol showed single component binding at either incubation temperature, but with slightly higher affinity at 25°C, when analyzed by Hofstee plots. The binding of l-isoproterenol, l-epinephrine and l-norepinephrine were changed qualitatively, as well as quantitatively, by incubation temperature. Hofstee plot analysis of l-isoproterenol inhibition curves showed a linear plot at 37°C and a curvilinear plot at 25°C, whereas l-epinephrine and l-norepinephrine showed curvilinear plots at both temperatures, but with different relative distributions and affinities of the components. The binding characteristics of several selective ₁- and ₂-agonists and antagonists were also influenced by incubation temperature. Practolol and prenalterol, ₁-selective agents, exhibited multiple component binding at 25°C, but only single component binding at 37°C. In contrast, salbutamol, a ₂-selective agonist, showed single component binding at 25°C and apparent multiple component binding at 37°C. Such temperature-related changes in binding characteristics were not consistent with receptor subtype interconversion and were not restricted to either agonists or antagonists. These studies suggest that the choice of incubation temperature may result in different binding characteristics of various -adrenergic receptor ligands. These effects are especially important when binding studies are designed to determine the classification and density of -adrenergic receptor subtypes in individual tissues.This work was supported by grants HL 23245 and HL 13315 from the United States Public Health Service     

The Site of Absorption in the Small Intestine Determines Diltiazem Bioavailability in the Rabbit

Purpose. Since the ability of the small intestine to biotransform a drug may decrease in distal segments of the intestine, this study aimed to assess whether the site of administration in the small intestine could affect the systemic bioavailability of diltiazem and its two active metabolites, N-desmethyldiltiazem (MA) and desacetyldiltiazem (Ml). Methods. Five mg/kg of diltiazem were administered into the lumen of the proximal (0–30 cm, n = 9) or the distal (150–180 cm) small intestine (n = 7) of anesthetized New Zealand rabbits. Blood samples were drawn from the femoral artery for 6 hours, and diltiazem, MA and M1 were assayed by HPLC. Results. The area under the curve (AUC₀ )of diltiazem administered into the distal small intestine was larger than that estimated when diltiazem was given in the proximal segment (14.20 ± 2.82 vs 8.14 ± 0.88 µg.min/ml, p < 0.05), due to a lower diltiazem oral clearance (440 ± 78 vs 660 ± 55 ml/min/kg, p < 0.05). The AUC_{0 360} of MA was not affected by the site of diltiazem administration, but the AUC_{0 360} of M1 was increased when diltiazem was administered in the distal segment of the small intestine. When administered into the distal segment of the intestine, the molar sum of diltiazem and its active metabolites was 48% greater than when delivered into the 0–30 cm segment of the small intestine; as a consequence, absorption of diltiazem in distal segments of the small intestine may enhance its pharmacological response. Conclusions. The site of absorption into the intestine modulates the bioavailability of diltiazem and its two active metabolites.     

Inhibition by carbamazepine of various ion channels-mediated catecholamine secretion in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells

The effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) on ²²Na⁺ influx, ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx, catecholamine secretion and cyclic GMP production were examined in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. 1 CBZ (40–120 mol/l) inhibited ²²Na⁺ influx evoked by carbachol in a concentration-dependent manner. CBZ inhibited carbachol-evoked ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion at concentrations similar to those which suppressed ²²Na⁺ influx. 2 CBZ (4–120 mol/l) inhibited veratridine-induced ²²Na⁺ influx, ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion. 3 CBZ (12 or 40–120 mol/l) suppressed 56 mmol/1 K⁺-evoked ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion, respectively. 4 Combination of CBZ with nitrendipine or -agatoxin-IVA produced further inhibition of 56 mmol/l K⁺ - evoked ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion, compared to the effect of CBZ alone, whereas CBZ plus -conotoxin-GVIA did not produce any further inhibition. 5 CBZ (40 mol/1) attenuated the production of cyclic GMP caused by muscarine. These results suggest that CBZ at therapeutic concentrations (16–48 mol/l: 4–12 g/ml) inhibits catecholamine secretion by interfering with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-associated ion channels, voltage-dependent Na⁺ channels and N-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, and may have an antimuscarinic effect in adrenal medullary cells.     

Characterization of an endothelial 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor mediating relaxation of the porcine coronary artery

Summary The pharmacological properties of the endothelial 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors involved in relaxation of vascular smooth muscle were determined in rings of pig coronary artery contracted with 10 nmol/1 of the thromboxane A₂ receptor agonist 9,11-dideoxy-11,9-epoxy-methano-prostaglandin F₂ (U 46619).(1) In the presence of 10 mol/l ketanserin, relaxation was obtained with: 5-HT (apparent pD₂ value 7.00), 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CONH₂-T; 6.42), 5-aminotryptamine (5-NH₂-T; 5.96), 5-methoxytryptamine (5-OCH₃-T; 5.92), tryptamine, 7-trifluoromethyl-4(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-pyrrolo(1,2-a)quinoxaline maleate (CGS 12066 A) and 5-methoxy-3(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-1H-indole succinate (RU 24969). The maximum relaxation obtainable with the agonists was about 40–60% of the U 46619-induced contraction and the concentration-response curves for 5-HT, 5-NH₂-T and 5-OCH₃-T were bell-shaped. The endothelium-dependence of this effect (i. e. the failure to relax the artery in endothelium-denuded preparations) was demonstrated for 5-HT, 5-CONH₂-T, RU 24969, CGS 12066A and tryptamine.(2) 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), 4-hydroxytryptamine, quipazine and yohimbine were ineffective in decreasing the tension of arteries with or without endothelium. Ipsapirone elicited full relaxation of U 46619-induced contraction, but this effect was not endothelium-dependent.(3) Metitepine (0.03-1 mol/l), 6-chloro-2-(1-piperazinyl)pyrazine (MK 212; 10 mol/l), methysergide (1 gmol/l) and cyanopindolol (0.1 mol/l) antagonized the relaxing effect of 5-HT in a non-surmountable manner, whereas metergoline (0.1 mol/l), quipazine (10 mol/l), yohimbine (1 mol/l), propranolol (1 mol/l) and (3-tropanyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid ester (ICS 205-930; 0.1 mol/l) did not. However, spiroxatrine (0.1 mol/l) and mesulergine (10 mol/l) enhanced the 5-HT-induced relaxation. The endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by 5-CONH₂-T was also inhibited by metitepine 1 gmol/l.(4) The 5-HT-induced relaxation was probably mediated by release of an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Gossypol, an inhibitor of EDRF, virtually abolished the 5-HT-induced relaxation while indometacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and accordingly of PGI₂ formation, did not.In conclusion, the failure of ketanserin and ICS 205–930 to counteract the relaxant effect of 5-HT receptor agonists excludes the involvement of 5-HT₂ and 5-HT₃ receptors, respectively, in the endothelium-dependent relaxation of the porcine coronary artery. The rather high potency of 5-CONH₂-T and the ability of certain 5-HT receptor antagonists, such as metitepine, methysergide and cyanopindolol, to counteract the effect of 5-HT are compatible with a 5-HT₁ character of the endothelial receptor. However, on the basis of the present data, no final classification, in particular with respect to the known 5-HT₁ receptor subtypes, is possible. Classification is also hampered by the bell-shaped character of the concentration-response curves for 5-HT receptor agonists and by their property to produce only partial relaxation. Send offprint requests to M. Gothert at the above address     

Structure Elucidation and Thermospray High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (HPLC/MS) of the Microbial and Mammalian Metabolites of the Antimalarial Arteether

Microbial metabolism studies of the antimalarial drug arteether (1) have shown that arteether is metabolized to six new metabolites in addition to those previously reported (3). Large-scale fermentations with Cunninghamella elegans (ATCC 9245) and Streptomyces lavendulae (L-105) have resulted in the characterization of these metabolites primarily by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR) methods as 9-hydroxyarteether (2), a ring rearrangement metabolite (3), 3-hydroxy-11-epi-deoxydihydroartemisinin (4), 9-hydroxyarteether (5), 2-hydroxyarteether (6), and 14-hydroxyarteether (7). Thermospray mass spectroscopy/high-performance liquid chromatographic analyses have shown that four of these metabolites (2, 5, 6, 7) are also present in rat liver microsome preparations.     

Decrease in bradycardic effect of AQ-A 39 and alinidine in guinea-pig sinoatrial node depolarized by high external K+-concentration

Summary The effects of the two specific bradycardic agents AQ-A 39 and alinidine on the spontaneous electrical discharge rate of intact guinea-pig sinus node preparations were investigated. At high external K⁺-concentrations (10.8 and 16.2 mmol/l) the bradycardic effect of the two drugs was diminished or abolished. In contrast, the negative chronotropic effect of the reference compound verapamil (Ca²⁺-antagonist) was enhanced. These results show that the bradycardic effects of AQ-A 39 and alinidine are diminished in depolarized preparations, which makes it unlikely that in intact sinus node preparations the mechanism of action is the same as that of Ca²⁺-antagonists.     

Rate Control in Transdermal β-Estradiol Reservoir Membrane Systems: The Role of Membrane and Adhesive Layer

Purpose. The aim of our study was to clarify the kinetic performance of a membrane controlled reservoir system (MCRS) for -estradiol (E₂) under in vitroconditions by determination of the role of membrane and adhesive layer on E₂flux control. Methods. E₂and ethanol fluxes across EVA membrane or membrane coated with adhesive from saturated solutions in defined ethanol/PBS mixtures were measured in the symmetric and asymmetric configuration. Physicochemical parameters of the EVA membrane were determined. Results. The E₂flux across the 9% EVA membrane steadily increased with increasing ethanol concentrations in both configurations, due to enhanced uptake of E₂by the polymer and increasing membrane diffusivity. Permeation across the EVA membrane coated with an adhesive layer in the symmetric and asymmetric configuration increased up to maximum values of 0.80 ± 0.14 (g × cm^–2× h^–1and 0.37 ± 0.02 g × cm^–2× h^–1, respectively, at 62.5% (v/v) ethanol. The fluxes then decreased with further increase in the volume fraction of ethanol due to a dramatically reduced permeability of the adhesive layer. For the asymmetric case, a linear dependence of E₂on ethanol fluxes was observed. Conclusions. The E₂flux from MCRS is strictly dependent on reservoir ethanol concentrations, whereas the adhesive layer represents the rate controlling barrier at high ethanol levels (>70% v/v).     

Biodegradable PLGA Microspheres Loaded with Ganciclovir for Intraocular Administration. Encapsulation Technique,in Vitro Release Profiles,and Sterilization Process

Purpose. The purpose of this work was to obtain a sterilized formulation consisting of biodegradable microspheres of poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) for intraocular sustained release of ganciclovir. Methods. Microspheres were prepared using a dispersion of ganciclovir in fluorosilicone oil (FSiO) that was further dispersed in an acetone solution of PLGA [50/50 and inherent viscosity 0.41 dl/g], and emulsified in silicone oil with a surfactant. Once prepared, the formulation was exposed with an effective radiation dose of 2.5 megarads. The release rate data of ganciclovir from the sterilized and nonsterilized batches were compared using the similarity factor (f₂). Results. The dispersion of the drug in FSiO contributed to achieving a drug payload of up to 95% of the theoretical in the 300-500 m microspheres. Ten mg released ganciclovir in vitroat 1.3 g/h for the first 21 days, but decreased to 0.2 g/h from day 25 until the end of the release study (42 days). No significant differences in the amounts of encapsulated drug (=0.05) were observed between the sterilized and nonsterilized microspheres. Furthermore, dissolution profiles of formulations behaved similarly before and after gamma radiation exposure. Conclusions. The technique of microsphere preparation described resulted in high ganciclovir loading (95%) and prolonged drug release. The ganciclovir formulation behaved similarly before and after the sterilization process.     

Correlation Between the Inhibitory Effects of Basic Drugs on the Uptake of Cardiac Glycosides and Taurocholate by Isolated Rat Hepatocytes

The role of the multispecific bile acid transporter for cardiac glycoside uptake is still controversial. This study was designed to examine the inhibitory effects of basic drugs (verapamil, dipyridamole, nifedipine, chlorpromazine, disopyramide, quinidine, propranolol, and lidocaine) on taurocholate uptake by isolated rat hepatocytes and to compare these effects with inhibition of ouabain uptake. Sodium-dependent taurocholate uptake was significantly reduced, to 50-70% of the control value, by 50 µM verapamil, dipyridamole, and nifedipine. Sodium-independent taurocholate uptake was more extensively inhibited, to 20-40%, by these basic drugs. The inhibition of ouabain uptake correlated better with sodium-independent taurocholate uptake ( = 0.918) than with sodium-dependent taurocholate uptake ( = 0.714). Taurocholate competitively inhibited ouabain uptake in the absence of sodium. These results indicate that the cardiac glycoside transport system is similar to the sodium-independent taurocholate transport system.     

Disparity of in Vitro and in Vivo Oleic Acid-Enhanced β-Estradiol Percutaneous Absorption Across Human Skin

The permeation enhancing property of 5% oleic acid in ethanol on -estradiol was investigated in vitro and in vivo using symmetrical and asymmetrical side-by-side diffusion cells and the human skin sandwich flap, respectively. -Estradiol permeability in vitro and in vivo was similar in 75% ethanol (ETOH). Oleic acid (5%) did not alter -estradiol permeability in vivo but increased permeability sixfold in vitro in symmetrical diffusion cells. -Estradiol permeability in oleic acid was not different from that in ETOH, however, using asymmetrical diffusion cells. Stratum corneum-to-vehicle partition coefficients of -estradiol in the vehicles were similar, yet fourfold more steroid was detected in skin biopsies from the in vitro symmetrical diffusion cells. Thus, oleic acid increased -estradiol permeability in vitro only when skin was equilibrated with fatty acid. Attention to in vitro diffusion cell design and its relevance in vivo is critical to defining the mechanisms of enhanced solute permeation.