Examining the relation between usual-brand nicotine yield,blood cotinine concentration and the nicotine-“compensation” hypothesis

Eight data sets relating usual-brand nicotine yield (FTC method or equivalent) to blood cotinine concentration are reviewed with respect to the so-called nicotine-compensation hypothesis, i.e., that all smokers achieve a specific level of nicotine in their blood, regardless of the FTC nicotine yield of the cigarette smoked. The data from the studies reviewed here indicate wide variability in blood cotinine concentrations over the range of FTC nicotine yields and that the nicotine-compensation hypothesis is not supported. On average, blood cotinine concentrations are found to be roughly midway between complete compensation (all smokers absorb equal amounts of nicotine regardless of FTC nicotine yield) and the value expected if there was no compensation (i.e., smokers absorb an amount of nicotine exactly equal to the FTC yield). As a result of individual smoking-behavior differences (number of cigarettes smoked, puff volume, puff frequency inhalation volume and depth, etc.), the data indicate that, on average, smokers achieve roughly 50% lower blood cotinine concentrations than predicted by the nicotine-compensation hypothesis.     

Acute enhancement of dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity in human plasma after maximum work load

Summary Plasma dopamine--hydroxylase activity after an almost maximum work load (bicycle ergometer; 100–250 watt for 6–10 min) has been investigated in 34 healthy volunteers. In all the experiments the enzyme activity increased by about 25%. The percentage increase in the enzyme activity was independent of the initial enzyme level, which showed extreme inter-individual variation (range 4 to 340 enzyme units). After a resting period of one hour the raised enzyme activity had returned to normal. It appears that a high resting level of the enzyme may be due to its rapid turnover, i.e. rapid release from the sympathetic nervous system and its speedy elimination from the plasma, and, low basal activity may be indicative of slow turnover. — The increase in the activity of dopamine--hydroxylase in plasma during exercise is a measure of the acute elevation of sympathetic tone.     

β-Adrenergic receptors in guinea-pig myocardial tissue

Summary Stereospecific binding sites for (–) [³H]-alprenolol, a -adrenergic antagonist, have been identified in guinea-pig myocardial broken cell preparations. The concentration of the sites was 0.3 pmoles per mg of protein and the dissociation constant (at 37°C) 10^–8 M. A close correlation between the ability of various -adrenergic antagonists to compete with tracer alprenolol binding and to block the response of isoprenaline-stimulated myocardial adenylate cyclase has been found. Low affinity sites for the labelled -adrenergic antagonist in contrast to stereospecific sites are heat stable and do not discriminate between the (–) and the (+) forms of the -adrenergic antagonists. Adenylate cyclase in guineapig myocardial tissue is poorly stimulated by isoprenaline or 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate. This is attributed to a high basal activity which could be lowered by a preincubation at 37°C.     

Rapid hydroxylation of methtryptoline (1-methyltetrahydro-β-carboline) in rat: Identification of metabolites by chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Summary Racemic methtryptoline (1-methyltetrahydro--carboline) and 5-hydroxymethtryptoline-9-carboxylic acid (6-hydroxy-1-methyltetrahydro--carboline-1-carboxylic acid) were administered intraperitoneally to rats and the components of their urine was subsequently investigated by chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Methtryptoline rapidly became hydroxylated in the 5- and 6-position and excreted in urine. There was about a ninefold predominance of the S(–) enantiomer over the other in the 5-hydroxylated species, while the 6-hydroxylation produced a small excess of the R(+) enantiomer. About 75% of the injected dose of methtryptoline was recovered in the urine as 5- and 6-hydroxylated compounds during the first 24 h period, demonstrating that hydroxylation represents the major metabolic pathway. Treatment with 6-hydroxymethtryptoline-9-carboxylic acid led to a fivefold increase in the urinary excretion of 5-hydroxymethtryptoline during the first 24 h period with a predominance of the S(–)-enantiomer, indicating a much smaller conversion rate than from methtryptoline. It was concluded that hydroxylation of methtryptoline is a likely pathway for the natural formation of 5-hydroxymethtryptoline.     

Blockade of epileptic responses in the photosensitive baboon,Papio papio,by two irreversible inhibitors of GABA-transaminase, γ-acetylenic GABA (4-amino-hex-5-ynoic acid) and γ-vinyl GABA (4-amino-hex-5-enoic acid)

The anticonvulsant potency and neurological toxicity of two new catalytic inhibitors of GABA-transaminase have been assessed in acute experiments in baboons with a natural syndrome of photic epilepsy. -Acetylenic GABA, 160–200 mg/kg, or -vinyl GABA, 450–950 mg/kg, intravenously, gave complete protection against generalised myoclonus or seizure responses induced by photic stimulation (in baboons without or with priming with subconvulsant doses of allyglycine). The protection became maximal 1–3 h after injection, and continued for 7–24 h. Signs characteristic of the acute toxicity of anticonvulsant drugs (nystagmus and ataxia) were not seen. The potential use of these compounds in human epilepsy deserves investigation.     

Bioavailability of β-acetyldigoxin after single and repeated doses of tablets and solution

Summary In eight healthy volunteers the bioavailability of -acetyldigoxin solution and tablets was measured after single and multiple doses. Plasma and urine data were used to calculate bioavailability by four different methods. The differences obtained and the interindividual variations suggested that different and independent methods should be employed to assess absolute and true bioavailability. There was no significant difference between the regimens and both preparations had similar bioavailability; mean values (± SD) for the solution were 68.3 ± 8.7 % (single dose) and 68.6±5.9 % (multiple doses), and for the tablets 72.8±7.5 % and 66.1±6.0 %, respectively. For routine measurements, single dose studies with plasma and urine sampling for 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively, were an accurate and practicable procedure.     

Dexmedetomidine synergism with midazolam in the elevated plus-maze test in rats

The anxiolytic profile of dexmedetomidine, a novel, highly-selective ₂-adrenergic agonist, was examined in rats in the elevated plus-maze test when administered either alone or in combination with the benzodiazepine agonist midazolam. Dexmedetomidine, 0.1–10 µg/kg, was inactive in modifying the rats' behavioral response in this test. Midazolam, 0.1–10 mg/kg, dose-dependently produced an anxiolytic-like profile characterized by an increased time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze. A combination of dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg and midazolam 0.5 mg/kg produced a synergistic interaction. This heterergic interaction of dexmedetomidine on midazolam's anxiolytic-like profile was dose-dependently blocked by pretreatment with an ₂-adrenergic antagonist, atipamezole, 10–50 µg/kg, and a benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil, 1.0 and 10 mg/kg, but not by the ₁-adrenergic antagonist, prazosin, 0.1–10 mg/kg. While the transmembrane signal transduction pathways for benzodiazepine- and ₂-agonist responses do not share any molecular component, there does appear to be crosstalk between these two systems. These may involve GABA or noradrenergic downstream effects of either dexmedetomidine or midazolam, respectively.     

Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of a Series of γ-Substituted γ-Aryloxymethyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactones Against Cancer Cells

Purpose. The main objective of this investigation was to explore thecytotoxic structure-activity relationships of -substituted -aryloxymethyl--methylene--butyrolactones against cancer cells. Methods. The target compounds were synthesized in two stepscommencing with aryl-OH which was treated with a bromomethyl ketonefollowed by the Reformatsky-type condensation. Results. Seven types of -methylene--butyrolactones were evaluatedin vitro against 60 human cancer cell lines derived from nine cancercell types. The average values of log G₅₀ indicated that for thearylportion, potencies of these -methylene--butyrolactones are in adecreasing order of quinolin-2(1H)-one (or 2-hydroxyquinoline, 21,–5.89) > quinoline (19, –5.79) > 2-methylquinoline (20, –5.69)> 8-hydroxyquinoline (17, –5.64) > 2-naphthalene (16, –5.59)> benzene (15, –4.90). The same order was obtained for both log TGIand log LC₅₀. However, for the -substituent, the potencies are in adecreasing order of biphenyl (16f–21f) > phenyl and4-substituted phenyl (16b-e–21b-e) > methyl (16a–21a). Conclusions. Unlike cardiovascular activities of -methylene--butyrolactones in which a -methyl substituent is necessary for vasorelaxingeffect while a phenyl or a halogen-substituted phenyl is prefer for theantiplatelet activities, a -biphenyl substituent proved to be the bestfor their cytotoxicities against various cancer cell lines tested.     

Morphine-6-O-β-D-glucuronide but not morphine-3-O-β-D-glucuronide binds to μ-, δ- and κ- specific opioid binding sites in cerebral membranes

We investigated the nature of interaction of morphine-3-O--D-glucuronide (M3G) and morphine6-O--D-glucuronide (M6G) with opioid binding sites at the µ-, - and -opioid receptors (µ-OR, -OR and -OR) in cerebral membranes.Saturation binding experiments revealed a competitive interaction of M6G with all three opioid receptors. Inhibition binding experiments at the µ-OR employing combinations of morphine and M6G resulted in a rightward shift of the IC₅₀ for morphine proportional to the M6G concentration, thus strengthening the finding of competitive interaction of M6G at the µ-opioid binding site. Data in absence and presence of M6G were included in a three-dimensional model. Compared to a model with one binding site a model with two binding sites significantly improved the fits. This might indicate that different µ-OR subtypes are involved. Hydrolysis of M6G to morphine was investigated and did not occur. Therefore the effects of M6G on binding to the -OR were due to M6G and not due to morphine.In contrast, M3G at the three opioid receptors was found to inhibit binding being about 300 times weaker than morphine. This effect was well explained by the amount of contaminating morphine (about 0.3%) identified by HPLC.We conclude that M6G binds to µ-, - and -OR in a competitive manner. Some of our results on the µ-OR suggest two binding sites for agonists at the -OR and that M6G binds to both sites. Our results suggest that the high potency of M6G as an analgesic is mediated through opioid receptors. In contrast, M3G does not interact with the µ-, - or -OR. We therefore doubt that any effect of M3G is mediated via opioid receptors.     

Metabolism of pentachlorophenol

Excretion of pentachlorophenol-¹⁴C in the urine of rats and mice after oral and intraperitoneal administration (10 to 25 mg/kg) was studied. 41 to 43% of the excretion activity was found to be present as unchanged pentachlorophenol. By means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, one metabolite was identified as tetrachlorohydroquinone, representing 5 and 24% of the excreted activity in rats and mice, respectively. Conjugation with glucuronic acid could not be demonstrated by enzymatic hydrolysis since tetrachlorohydroquinone was found to be a potent inhibitor of -glucuronidase, the I₅₀ being 1.6 to 2.0×10^–6 M. Boiling the urine with hydrochloric acid was shown to convert all of the excreted activity to pentachlorophenol and tetrachlorohydroquinone, the latter representing 43 and 46% in rats and mice, respectively. Tetrachlorohydroquinone was found in the urine of workers occupationally exposed to pentachlorophenol.     

Different changes in striatal dopamine metabolism induced by nicotine in mice kept at different ambient temperatures

Summary Further information about the nicotine-induced changes in striatal dopamine metabolism in hypothemic mice was searched by measuring the contents of dopamine and its metabolites (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, DOPAC; 3-methoxytyramine, 3-MT; and homovanillic acid, HVA) after blocking the synthesis of dopamine by-methyl-p-tyrosine (-MT). This method gave a possibility to study the effect of nicotine on the metabolism of dopamine in two pools (the cytoplasmic newly-synthesized dopamine and the granular dopamine). 3 mg/kg of (–)nicotine was given s.c. four times, at 110, 80, 50 and 20 min, and-MT (250 mg/kg i.p.) at 60 min before sacrifice. To prevent the peripheral effects of nicotine all mice were given hexamethonium (10 mg/kg i.p.) at 140 min before sacrifice. Hexamethonium did not alter striatal dopamine metabolism. Experiments were performed at 20–22°C at which temperature nicotine induced hypothermia or at 32–34°C.The-MT-induced proportional decrease of 3-MT content was clearly less than that of dopamine content. On the contrary the-MT treatment decreased the DOPAC content proportionally more than the dopamine content. Thus DOPAC could not be solely formed from the same dopamine pool as 3-MT. These results indicate that 3-MT reflects best the metabolism of the granular dopamine and DOPAC that of the newly-synthesized dopamine.In hypothermic mice nicotine administration reduced the-MT-induced depletion of the dopamine content. Nicotine also decreased the 3-MT content and this effect was not altered by-MT. These results indicate that nicotine prevents the metabolism and release of the granular dopamine. The nicotine-induced decrease of the HVA content did not occur in-MT treated mice, which suggests that nicotine also diminished the release of the newly-synthesized dopamine.In mice kept at 32–34°C nicotine tended to enhance the-MT-induced depletion of the dopamine content and nicotine alone did not decrease the 3-MT content. Thus in these mice nicotine tended to increase the release of the granular dopamine. The nicotine-induced increases of HVA and DOPAC contents in these mice were reduced by-MT, which indicates that nicotine increased also the metabolism and probably the release of the newly-synthesized dopamine.     

α2-autoreceptors and α2-heteroreceptors modulating tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase activity in the rat brain in vivo: an investigation into the α2-adrenoceptor subtypes

The subtype determination of auto- and hetero-₂-adrenoceptors modulating the synthesis of noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT), respectively, was assessed using the accumulation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) after decarboxylase inhibition as a measure of the rate of tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylation in the rat brain in vivo.In the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, Org 3770 (non-selective a2-adrenoceptor antagonist, 0.5–10 mg/kg, i.p.) increased (43%–58%) and clonidine (non-selective ₂-adrenoceptor agonist, 1 mg/kg) decreased (37%–49%) the synthesis of dopa. Also the antagonist ARC 239 (_2B/C selective, 5–40 mg/kg) increased the synthesis of dopa in cortex (39%–46%) and hippocampus (17%–85%). In contrast, the antagonist BRL 44408 (_2D selective, 1–10 mg/kg) did not increase the synthesis of dopa in cortex, and increased it modestly in hippocampus only. The agonist guanoxabenz (_2B/C selective, 0.03–3 mg/kg) decreased the synthesis of dopa in both brain regions (20%–65%), whereas the agonist oxymetazoline (_2D selective, 0.1–3 mg/kg) failed to do so. These results indicated that the ₂-autoreceptors that modulate the synthesis of dopa/NA are probably associated with the _2B/C-subtypes.In cortex and hippocampus, clonidine decreased (35%–53%) the synthesis of 5-HTP but Org 3770 failed to induce the opposite effect (except the 2 mg/kg dose in cortex). BRL 44408 markedly increased the synthesis of 5-HTP in cortex (113%–148%) but not in hippocampus. Similarly, also ARC 239 increased the formation of 5-HTP in cortex (36%–48%) but not in hippocampus, where it was decreased (30%–55%). Oxymetazoline decreased the synthesis of 5-HTP in hippocampus (28%–30%) but failed to do so in cortex. Guanoxabenz in the low dose range (0.03–0.3 mg/kg) did not decrease the synthesis of 5-HTP in any brain region. These results indicated that the ₂-heteroreceptors that modulate the synthesis of 5-HTP/5-HT may well be different from the proposed _2B/C-autoreceptors modulating the synthesis of dopa/NA. These ₂-heteroreceptors appear to be associated with the _2D-subtype.     

Oral bioavailability of CHF1194, an inclusion complex of piroxicam and β-cyclodextrin,in healthy subjects under single dose and steady-state conditions

CHF1194 is an inclusion complex of -cyclodextrin with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam. In man, -cyclodextrin acts as a carrier of piroxicam. As the inclusion complex of piroxicam--cyclodextrin is wettable and more water soluble, the absorption rate of the drug is increased whilst its other pharmacokinetic characteristics remain unchanged.The aim of the present study in 12 healthy subjects was to compare the oral bioavailability of 20 mg piroxicam in a CHF1194 tablet and a plain piroxicam capsule after a single dose and after two weeks of once daily administration, and also to assess the plasma levels and urinary excretion of -cyclodextrin after CHF1194 administration. The two treatments were administered in cross-over fashion, separated by a wash-out period of three weeks. Piroxicam, 5-hydroxypiroxicam and -cyclodextrin were monitored in plasma and urine for 120 h after the first and last doses.Clinical tolerance was excellent and no adverse event occurred during either phase of the study. The extent of absorption of piroxicam from the CHF1194 tablet after the single dose was equivalent to that after the plain piroxicam capsule, within confidence limits of less than 80–125%. After repeated dosing, CHF1194 yielded the same steady-state systemic concentrations of piroxicam and 5-hydroxypiroxicam as the reference capsule, and similar excretion pattern of the metabolite. After both single and multiple dosing, piroxicam was absorbed more rapidly after CHF1194, an expected consequence of the complexation of piroxicam with -cyclodextrin. This may be of therapeutic interest as it might accelerate the onset of pain relief.The pharmacokinetics of piroxicam was linear after the doses used here, suggesting that long term treatment with CHF1194 should not require any change in dosing regimen. Even after 14 days of repeated administration of CHF1194, -cyclodextrin could not be detected in plasma or urine, suggesting that in man the unchanged oligosaccharide was absorbed to a very small extent.     

Time course of the anti-oedematous effect of O-(β-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides in healthy volunteers

Summary O-(-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides (HR) is used for the treatment of disorders of the venous and microcirculatory systems. In order to evaluate the time course of its activity, the effect of HR on a provocation model of orthostatic oedema in healthy volunteers was used. After a 2 week placebo run-in period, 16 healthy volunteers were randomized to HR (2 tablets of 500 mg/day) of placebo for a further 3 weeks, in a double-blind parallel design. Oedema was provoked by standing motionless for 1 h, with measurement of leg volume before and afterwards. The procedure was undertaken at entry to the study and then weekly during the entire 5 week period.There were no significant differences in the extent of oedema produced by the orthostatic challenge during the 2 week run-in period or in the subjects who continued on placebo (90 arbitrary units i.e. 48 ml). During the 3 week treatment with HR, however, there was a progressive reduction (–1.1, –5.9, and –7.6 arbitrary units after 1, 2, and 3 weeks, respectively) in the volume of induced oedema, which was significant after 2 and 3 weeks of treatment compared to the placebo group.     

The effect of thiorphan and epithelium removal on contractions and tachykinin release produced by activation of capsaicin-sensitive afferents in the guinea-pig isolated bronchus

Summary (1) We have studied the effect of epithelium removal (rubbing) and the endopeptidase 24.11 inhibitor, thiorphan, on the contractile response of the guinea-pig isolated bronchi (atropine and indomethacin in the bath) produced by electrical field stimulation, capsaicin or exogenously administered tachykinins (substance P and neurokinin A). (2) The response to field stimulation, thought to involve release of endogenous tachykinins, was potentiated by thiorphan in both epithelium-free and intact bronchi. However, at low frequencies (1–5 Hz), the effect of thiorphan was more evident in intact preparations. (3) The response to capsaicin was enhanced by both epithelium removal and thiorphan administration. (4) The response to exogenous substance P or neurokinin A was potentiated by thiorphan both in epithelium-free and intact bronchi. (5) Capsaicin (1 M) evoked a consistent release of substance P-like immumoreactivity (determined by radioimmunoassay) and tachykinin-like immumoreactivity (determined by a novel immumoenzyme assay), which was enhanced by thiorphan in both epithelium-free and intact bronchi. (6) These findings suggest that a thiorphan-sensitive mechanism, presumably enkephalinase (endopeptidase 24.11), plays a major role in inactivating endogenous tachykinins released from sensory nerves and that this enzymatic activity is still present after removal of the bronchial epithelium. Send offprint requests to C. A. Maggi at the above address     

The β-adrenergic receptor-adenyl-cyclase system of rat reticulocytes

Summary Non-nucleated red blood cells from rats contain adenyl cyclase, the activity of which is predominantly localized in the reticulocytes. Basal enzyme activities in membrane preparations from reticulocyte-rich blood (pretreatment of rats with acetyl-phenylhydrazide: about 60% reticulocytes) are about 5 times higher than in preparations from reticulocyte-poor blood (untreated animals: 2–3% reticulocytes). The enzyme activities are stimulated 10-fold by sodium fluoride (10^–2 M) and 6 to 8-fold by isoprenaline (10^–4 M).Adenyl cyclase activities in membrane preparations from reticulocyte-rich and reticulocyte-poor blood can be ascribed to identical enzymes since identical apparent K _m (ATP; 3×10^–4 M), K _a (isoprenaline; 3×10^–6 M) and K _i (propranolol vs. isoprenaline; 3×10^–7 M) values were obtained in both preparations.Besides NaF, only phenylethanolamine derivatives with -adrenergic receptor stimulant properties were effective as stimulators of adenyl cyclase activity. The affinities (apparent K _a values) of the investigated compounds decreased in the order isoprenaline—hexoprenaline—fenoterol—salbutamol—adrenaline—terbutaline—noradrenaline—phenylephrine. For maximal intrinsic activity, the catechol structure was essential; the relative intrinsic activities of resorcinol derivatives did not exceed 0.6.The isoprenaline-stimulated adenyl cyclase activities in erythrocyte membrane preparations were competitively inhibited by -adrenergic blocking drugs, the affinities (apparent K _i values) decreasing in the order prindolol—penbutolol—propranolol—practolol. The dextrorotatory enantiomers of penbutolol and propranolol were 1/100 to 1/200 as active as the resp. levorotatory enantiomers.From experiments with -adrenergic agonists (e.g. phenylephrine) and antagonists (e.g. phentolamine), it is concluded that -adrenergic receptors do not interfere with the -adrenergically-mediated cAMP formation in these particular membranes.A variety of hormones and drugs known to stimulate adenyl cyclase activities in various tissues, e.g. ACTH, glucagon, STH, erythropoietin, prostaglandin E ₁ etc. did not affect adenyl cyclase activity in reticulocyte-rich erythrocyte membrane preparations.In contrast to adenyl cyclase activity, phosphodiesterase activities in erythrocyte membrane and cytoplasmic fractions were only twice as high in reticulocyterich as in reticulocyte-poor preparations.From the experiments described, it is obvious that the adenyl cyclase of the rat reticulocyte is subject to monovalent-hormonal, i.e. -sympathomimetic stimulation. Moreover, the premature red blood cell provides a useful model for quantitative studies of the interaction of drugs with the -adrenergic receptor.This study was supported by the Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftPreliminary accounts were presented at meetings of the Deutsche Pharmakologische Gesellschaft (Gauger et al., 1972; Gauger and Palm, 1973; Quiring et al., 1974a).     

Formation of 1-methyl-β-carbolines in rats from their possible carboxylic acid precursor

Summary In vivo metabolism of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro--carboline-l-carboxylic acid (1-CTHH), a possible precursor of the endogenous -carbolines tetrahydroharman (THH) and harman was investigated in rats. Following intraperitoneal injection of [4-¹⁴C]1-CTHH, a rapid distribution of the radioactivity in the tissues was observed. The highest radioactivity was measured in the kidney and the lowest in the brain as well as in the fat tissue. Approximately 55% of the administered dose was excreted in the urine within 90 min. The radioactivity in the urine consisted of unchanged 1-CTHH (> 90%) besides harmalan and trace amounts of harman. Harmalan represents the major degradation product of 1-CTHH; it could be identified in all tissues examined and in the urine. The concentration in the blood, however, was low at all time points investigated. The peak concentration of harmalan in most tissues was measured between 15–30 min after injection. A time-dependent formation of THH was found in the lung and spleen indicating an important role of these organs in the biosynthesis of THE Furthermore, the metabolism of [4-¹⁴C]1-CTHH in the brain was studied following intracerebroventricular injection. The formation of harmalan in the brain was not affected by pretreatment with the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor NSD 1015. Determination of the harmalan concentration in several brain regions revealed a high level in the hippocampus and hypothalamus and a small concentration in pons, corpus striatum, cerebellum and cerebal cortex 20 min after injection. The analyses of the radiolabelled compounds were performed by thin-layer chromatography and the identification was further confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results suggest that 1-CTHH can serve as a precursor of the endogenous -carbolines. The in vivo conversion of the compound proceeds mainly via an oxidative decarboxylation.Abbreviations BC -carboline - 1-CTHH 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro--carboline-l-carboxylic acid - HPLC high performance liquid chromatography - i.c.v. intracerebroventricular - i.p. intraperitoneal - PLP pyridoxal-5-phosphate - THH tetrahydroharman - TLC thin layer chromatography Send offprint requests to R. Susilo at the above address     

Disposition Kinetics of α-Tocopherol in Apolipoprotein B Knockout Mice

Purpose. We examined the effects of apolipoprotein B (apoB) on the disposition kinetics of -tocopherol by using apoB knockout mice. Methods. The concentrations of -tocopherol in plasma and tissues were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results. In apob (–/–) mice, the endogenous levels of -tocopherol in plasma and tissues (except liver) were significantly lower, and the liver concentration was significantly higher than those in wild-type mice. After single i.v. administration of -tocopherol (25 mg/kg), the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the distribution volume at steady state were significantly decreased, whereas the total clearance of -tocopherol was significantly increased in apob (–/–) vs. wild-type mice. -Tocopherol was highly distributed to the liver, compared with other tissues. After an oral administration of -tocopherol (100 mg/kg), the intestinal absorption of -tocopherol was very low in apoB knockout mice, as the value of AUC_0-32h for apob (–/–) mice (17.7 ± 8.3 g h/mL) was significantly less than that for apob (+/+) wild-type mice (96.5 ± 15.8 g h/mL, mean ± SD of five experiments, p < 0.01). The biliary excretion of -tocopherol was significantly greater in apob (+/–) mice than in apob (+/+) mice. Conclusions. These results show that apoB plays a role in hepatic secretion and intestinal absorption of -tocopherol.     

Effects of apomorphine and haloperidol on “spontaneous” stereotyped licking behaviour in the Cebus monkey

Three recently arrived drug naive Cebus apella monkeys with spontaneous stereotyped oral movements were treated with apomorphine and haloperidol using a wide dose range. Low doses of apomorphine (0.05–0.1 mg/kg) suppressed the oral stereotypies without affecting normal behaviour such as grooming and scratching. Higher doses of apomorphine (0.25–1.0 mg/kg) and haloperidol (0.01–0.1 mg/kg) also decreased or abolished the oral stereotypies, but induced generalized stereotypies (apomorphine) or dystonia/parkinsonism (haloperidol), suppressing normal behaviour. The findings indicate that dopamine is involved in these presumably stress-induced (not drug-induced) stereotypies.     

Release of noradrenaline and ATP by electrical stimulation and nicotine in guinea-pig vas deferens

Summary Effects of electrical stimulation and nicotine on ATP and tritium outflow and smooth muscle tension were studied in the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens preincubated with [³H]-noradrenaline. ATP was measured using the luciferase technique.Electrical stimulation caused biphasic contractions and an acceleration of ATP and tritium outflow. The contraction amplitude and the overflow of ATP increased markedly, whereas the overflow of tritium increased only slightly with the frequency of stimulation (1–10 Hz; constant number of 60 pulses). The contraction amplitude did not increase with an increase in pulse number (20–540 pulses; constant frequency of 5 Hz), whereas the overflow of ATP increased slightly, and that of tritium markedly. Nicotine caused monophasic, transient contractions and, again, an acceleration of ATP and tritium outflow. Contractions, ATP and tritium overflow increased with the concentration of nicotine (56–320 mol/l) in an approximately parallel manner. The influence of some drugs on responses to electrical stimulation (60 pulses, 5 Hz) and nicotine (180 mol/l) was investigated. Tetrodotoxin blocked all effects of electrical stimulation but did not change those of nicotine. The reverse was true for hexamethonium. Neither electrical stimulation nor nicotine caused contraction or an increase in ATP outflow after pretreatment with 6-hydroxydopamine. The main effects of prazosin 0.3 mol/l were to reduce electrically evoked contractions (above all second phase) as well as nicotine-evoked contractions and the nicotine-evoked overflow of ATP (the latter by about 81 %). Prazosin also tended to diminish the electrically evoked overflow of ATP. ,ß-Methylene-ATP 10 mol/l elicited a transient contraction and ATP overflow on its own. The main change in the subsequent state of desensitization was a decrease of the first phase of electrically evoked contractions. The main effects of prazosin combined with desensitization by ,ß-methylene-ATP were marked decreases of electrically evoked contractions (by 94%), the electrically evoked overflow ATP (by 66%), nicotine-evoked contractions (by 97%) and the nicotinee-voked overflow of ATP (by 70%).It is concluded that both electrical stimulation and nicotine release noradrenaline and ATP in guinea-pig vas deferens. Only part of the evoked overflow of ATP (about 32%) is neural in origin. Another part probably originates from smooth muscle cells where it is released by neurogenic noradrenaline acting at ₁-adrenoceptors. Corelease leads to cotransmission: electrically as well as nicotine-evoked contractions consist of adrenergic and purinergic components. Varying types of stimulation release cotransmitter mixtures of varying composition. Electrical stimulation at high frequency (for example 10 Hz) and with low pulse numbers (for example 20 pulses) seems to release the cotransmitters at a relatively high ATP/noradrenaline ratio. Activation of prejunctional nicotine receptors seems to release the cotransmitters at a relatively low ATP/noradrenaline ratio. Send offprint requests to Ivar von Kügelgen at the above address