Characterization of Particle-Interactions by Atomic Force Microscopy: Effect of Contact Area

Purpose. The purpose of this work was to compare adhesion forces, contact area, and work of adhesion of salbutamol sulphate particles produced using micronization and a supercritical fluid technique (solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids - SEDS) using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Methods. Adhesion forces of individual particles of micronized and SEDS salbutamol against a highly orientated pyrolytic graphite surface were acquired in a liquid environment consistent with that of a pressurized metered dose inhaler. The forces were then related to contact area and work of adhesion. Results. The raw adhesion force data for the micronized and SEDS material were 14.1 nN (SD 2.5 nN) and 4.2 nN (SD 0.8 nN), respectively. After correction for contact area, the forces per unit area were 13 mN/m² (SD 2.3 mN/m²) and 3 mN/m² (SD 0.6 mN/m²). The average work of adhesion was calculated using the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts theory and was found to be 19 mJm^–2 (SD 3.4 mJm^–2) for the micronized particle and 4 mJm^–2 (SD 0.8 mJm^–2) for the SEDS particle. Conclusions. It is possible to produce a three-dimensional representation of the contact area involved in the interaction and make quantitative comparisons between different particles. There was a lower force per unit area and work of adhesion observed for the SEDS material, possibly because of its lower surface free energy.     

Subject-by-Formulation Interaction in Determinations of Individual Bioequivalence: Bias and Prevalence

Purpose. 1. To determine properties of the estimated variance component for the subject-by-formulation interaction (² _D) in investigations of individual bioequivalence (IBE), and 2. to evaluate the prevalence of interactions in replicate-design studies published by FDA. Methods. Four-period crossover studies evaluating IBE were simulated repeatedly. Generally, the true bioequivalence of the two formulations, including ² _D= 0, was assumed, ² _D was then estimated in a linear mixed-effect model by restricted maximum likelihood (REML). The same method was applied for estimating ² _D for the data sets of FDA. Results. 1._D estimated by REML was positively biased. The bias and dispersion of the estimated _Dincreased approximately linearly with the estimated within-subject standard deviation for the reference formulation (_WR). Only a small proportion of the estimated _D exceeded the estimated _WR. 2. Distributions of the estimated _D were evaluated. At _WR = 0.30, a level of estimated _D= 0.15 was exceeded, by random chance, with a probability of about 25%. 3. Importantly, the behaviour of the ² _D values estimated from the FDA data sets was similar to that exhibited by the simulated estimates of ² _D which were generated under the conditions of true bioequivalence. Conclusions. 1. _D estimated by REML is biased; the bias increases proportionately with the estimated _WR. Consequently, exceeding a fixed level of _D (e.g., 0.15) does not indicate substantial interaction. 2. The data sets of FDA are compatible with the hypothesis of ² _D = 0. Consequently, they do not demonstrate the prevalence of subject-by-formulation interaction. Therefore, it could be sufficient and reasonable to evaluate bioequivalence from 2-period crossover studies.     

Usefulness of the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts Stretched Exponential Function to Describe Protein Aggregation in Lyophilized Formulations and the Temperature Dependence Near the Glass Transition Temperature

Purpose. We studied the feasibility of using the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts stretched exponential function (KWW equation) to describe protein aggregation in lyophilized formulations during storage. Parameters representing mean aggregation time (_a) and stretched exponential constant (_a) were calculated according to the KWW equation by assuming that the time required for protein molecules to aggregate () varies because of the fact that protein aggregation occurs at a rate that depends on the degree of protein deformation resulting from stresses created during freeze-drying. The temperature dependence of the parameters near the glass transition temperature was examined to discuss the possibility of predicting protein aggregation by accelerated testing. Methods. Protein aggregation in lyophilized bovine serum -globulin (BGG) formulations containing dextran or methylcellulose, at temperatures ranging from 10 to 80°C, was followed by size-exclusion chromatography. Results. Non-exponential BGG aggregation in lyophilized formulations could be described by the KWW equation. The _a and _a parameters changed abruptly around the NMR relaxation-based critical mobility temperature for formulations containing dextran and methylcellulose. In the glassy state, in contrast, the _a parameter of these formulations exhibited continuous temperature dependence. The parameter , as calculated from _a and _a, reflected differences in values between the two excipients. Conclusions. The results indicate that the parameter _a is reflective of physical changes wihtin lyophilized formulations. Within the temperature range, during which no abrupt changes in _a were observed, knowledge regarding the _aand _a parameters allows the rate of protein aggregation to be predicted. The parameter was found to be useful in comparing the protein aggregation behavior of formulations having different _a and _a values.     

Antifungal Activity of a New Triterpenoid Glycoside from Pithecellobium racemosum (M.)

Purpose. In a continuation of our search for novel antifungal compounds from higher plants, the standard extract of the bark of Pithecellobium racemosum was found to have good activity against important AIDS-related opportunistic yeasts. Methods. The extract was subjected to bioguided fractionation using silica gel column chromatography which led to purification of triterpene glycosides. The structures of these compounds were determined by a combination of spectroscopic (IR, NMR, HRMS) and chemical methods. Results. Compound 1 is a new glycoside, 3-O[-L-arabinopyranosyl (1 -2)][-L arabinopyranosyl (1 -6)]2-acetoamido-2-deoxy--D-gluco-pyranosyl oleanolic acid and Compound 2 was identified as the known compound 3-O-[-L-arabinopyranosyl (l-2)]-L-arabinopyranosyl (1-6)] 2-acetamido-2-deoxy--D-glucopyranosyl echinocystic acid. Conclusions. Compound 1 is a new glycoside, 3-O-[-L-arabinopyranosyl (1-2)]-L-arabinopyranosyl (l-6)]-2-acetoamido-2-deoxy--D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid and exhibits moderate antifungal activity against T. mentogrophytes, C. albicans and S. cerevisiae with MIC values of 6.25, 12.5 and 12.5 g/ml respectively.     

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Various Ophthalmic Drugs, Eye Drop Excipients and Cyclodextrins in an Immortalized Human Corneal Epithelial Cell Line

Purpose. An immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line (HCE) was tested as a screening tool for prediction of topical ocular irritation/ toxicity by pharmaceuticals. Methods. Effects of various drugs, excipients and cyclodextrins (CDs) on viability of HCE cells were evaluated using two in vitrocytotoxicity tests, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye reduction assay and propidium iodide assay. Results. Mitochondrion-based MTT test was a more sensitive indicator of cytotoxicity than the plasma membrane-based propidium iodide test. The tests revealed following cytotoxic rankings for ophthalmic drugs: dipivefrin > timolol > pilocarpine dexamethasone; for excipients: benzalkonium chloride (BAC) > sodium edetate (NA₂EDTA) > poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) > methylparaben; and for CDs: -CD > dimethyl--cyclodextrin (DM--CD) > sulfobutyl ether (-cyclodextrin ((SBE)_7m--CD) hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (HP--CD) > -CD. In consideration of the in vivoclinical situation, the short exposure time (5 min) is more relevant even though toxic effects of some test substances were seen only after longer exposure times (30 and 60 min). Conclusions. Immortalized HCE cells are a promising tool for rapid cytotoxicity assays of ocular medications. The cell line is potentially useful in predicting the in vivocorneal toxicity of ocularly applied compounds.     

The binding spectrum of narcotic analgesic drugs with different agonist and antagonist properties

Summary Four groups of narcotic analgesic drugs have been assessed for their opiate activities by using three binding assays and three pharmacological bioassays. In the binding assays, their inhibition constants (K _I, nM) were determined against the binding of the -ligand, [³H]-[d-Ala ² ,MePhe ⁴ , Gly-ol⁵]enkephalin, of the -ligand, [³H]-[d-Ala ² ,d-Leu ⁵]enkephalin and of the -ligand, [³H]-(±)-ethylketazocine after suppression of - and -binding by 100 nM of the unlabelled -ligand and 100 nM of the unlabelled -ligand. The pharmacological agonist or antagonist activities were assayed on the guinea-pig ileum, mouse vas deferens and rat vas deferens.The first group of compounds were pure agonists in all three pharmacological bioassays. The majority of the compounds showed preference to -binding but phenazocine and particularly etorphine had also high affinities to the - and -binding sites.The second group consisted of N-allyl and N-cyclopropylmethyl homologues of the morphine, 3-hydroxymorphinan and normetazocine series which had agonist and antagonist activities in the guinea-pig ileum and mouse vas deferens but were pure antagonists in the rat vas deferens. In the binding assays, -binding and -binding were prominent.The third group was made up by the ketazocine-like compounds which in the guinea-pig ileum and mouse vas deferens were pure agonists and in the rat vas deferens pure antagonists. The binding spectrum showed particularly high binding to the -binding site.The fourth group was the antagonists which were devoid of agonist activity with the exception of diprenorphine and Mr 2266 which had retained some agonism. The binding spectrum showed considerable variation, naloxone in low concentration being a selective -antagonist, Mr 2266 having high affinities to the - and -binding sites and diprenorphine having considerable affinities to the -, - and -binding sites.Since each of the four groups of compounds, whether pure agonists, agonist-antagonists, ketazocine-like drugs or pure antagonists, shows independent varittions in the affinities to the - and -binding sites, their different pharmacological behaviour cannot be solely due to difference in the binding spectra.     

Isoprenaline-induced increase in mRNA levels of inhibitory G-protein α-subunits in rat heart

Summary Long-term -adrenergic stimulation has been shown to desensitize the -adrenoceptor/adenylyl cyclase signalling pathway at both the receptor and the G-protein level. To further elucidate the cellular mechanism of G-protein regulation we investigated the influence of prolonged infusion of isoprenaline (2.4 mg/kg·d) on myocardial mRNA levels of different G-protein -subunits in rats. For comparison rats were treated with triiodothyronine (T₃; 0.5 mg/kg·d) which induces cardiac hypertrophy like isoprenaline but has different effects on the adenylyl cyclase system. Isoprenaline- and T₃-treated animals developed an increase in heart/body weight ratio of 41±3% and 27±4%, respectively (P<0.05). Isoprenaline increased myocardial total RNA concentration by 39±6% (P<0.05). Hybridization with ³²P-labeled rat cDNAs demonstrated an expression rank order of G_s-mRNA>G_i-2-mRNA>G_i–3-mRNA and no detectable expression of G_i–1-mRNA in rat myocardium. mRNA levels of G_s G_i–2 and G_i–3 were 36.9±1.28, 10.7±1.07 and 3.7±0.19 pg/g total RNA, respectively. Isoprenaline increased G_i–2 ^– and G_i–3-mRNA concentrations per g total RNA by 49±18% and 27±710, respectively (P<0.05). This effect was abolished by simultaneously administered propranolol (9.9 mg/kg·d), indicating a,-adrenoceptor-mediated mechanism. In contrast, T₃-induced cardiac hypertrophy was not accompanied by changes in G_i-mRNA expression. G_sa-mRNA levels were unaffected by either treatment.In conclusion, long-term stimulation with isoprenaline in vivo induces a -adrenoceptor-mediated increase in myocardial G_i–2 ^– and G_i–3-mRNA without affecting G_s-mRNA. These results suggest that similar increases in myocardial G_i–2-mRNA in end-stage human heart failure may be at least partly explained by increased -adrenergic stimulation due to increased sympathetic activity.Parts of this work were presented at the wintermeeting of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Pharmakologie und Toxikologie in Hannover, 1990 (Eschenhagen et al.), Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 342 (Suppl):R8. The work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemcinschaft Send offprint requests to: T. Eschenhagen at the above address     

Adhesion of Powders for Inhalation: An Evaluation of Drug Detachment from Surfaces Following Deposition from Aerosol Streams

Purpose. To evaluate micronized powder retention and detachment from inhaler surfaces following reproducible deposition by impaction, coupled with centrifugal particle detachment (CPD). Methods. Micronized albuterol sulfate (AS) and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) were aerosolized as dry powders and deposited by cascade impaction onto different contact surfaces. Drug detachment from the surfaces was characterized using CPD, coupled with HPLC assay and scanning electron microscopy. Results. Drugs which accumulated as aggregates on model surfaces detached with distinctive profiles for % remaining vs. applied centrifugal force; each profile showed reproducible values for the minimum force required to initiate drug detachment, F_yield. While differences occurred in the observed detachment profiles for different drugs and contact surfaces (polyacetal vs. aluminum), the deposited drug particle size had the most significant effect on these profiles, e.g., F_yield for AS (2.1-3.3 m) was 383 12.7 N compared with 18 13.8 N for AS (4.7-5.8 m). Conclusions. A technique was developed which enabled the experimental review, and subsequent data analysis, of the adhesive properties between different DPI construction materials and drug substances deposited from aerosol clouds. The technique appears to be of greater relevance to inhaler design decisions than earlier studies in the literature claiming to show differences in the adhesion of single drug particles to surfaces.     

Effect of Coadministered Uridine on Intestinal First-Pass Metabolism of 5′-Deoxy-5-Fluorouridine in Conscious Rats—An Evaluation by Method of Portal-Systemic Concentration Difference

Purpose. The effect of uridine (UR) coadministration on the intestinal metabolism from 5-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5-DFUR) to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was evaluated by a method of concentration difference between portal and systemic bloods in conscious rats (PS method). Methods. 5-DFUR (100 mg/kg) alone (Group A), or 5-DFUR + UR (100 mg/kg each) (Group B) was orally administered to conscious rats. The portal and arterial bloods were simultaneously withdrawn from two canulas at appropriate time intervals, and blood concentrations of 5-DFUR, 5-FU, UR and uracil (U) were assayed by HPLC. The concentration-time profiles of these drugs and its metabolites were analyzed by local moment analysis. Results. UR coadministration made the local absorption ratio (F_a) of 5-DFUR decrease significantly from 60.1 ± 10.5% to 38.0 ± 18.6% of dose. Though the local absorption ratios (F_a ^m) of the metabolite (5-FU) were the same between Group A and Group B (8.3 ± 1.9 and 8.7 ± 4.0% of 5-DFUR, respectively), AUC of arterial 5-FU in Group B was 5 times greater than that in Group A. UR was not detected in the portal blood, and F_a ^m of U was estimated to be 41.9 ± 26.8% of UR in Group B. Conclusions. It is predicted that a large portion of 5-FU generated from 5-DFUR is further degraded in the intestine in Group A, and U generated from UR blocks 5-FU degradation in the intestine and the systemic circulation in Group B.     

Effects of Topical Anandamide-Transport Inhibitors,AM404 and Olvanil,on Intraocular Pressure in Normotensive Rabbits

Purpose. To evaluate the effects of topically applied anandamide transport inhibitors, AM404 and olvanil, on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of normotensive rabbits. To determine if the ocular hypotension induced by topical anandamide (AEA) can be potentiated by co-administered AM404. Methods. Test compounds, in either hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (HP--CD) or propylene glycol, were administered unilaterally onto rabbit eyes. To determine if AM404 affects the IOP-profile of AEA, AM404 was administered ocularly 15 minutes before topical AEA. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) (24 mg/kg, s.c.) was given 30 min before AEA to prevent its catabolism. IOPs of the treated and untreated eyes were measured. The cannabinoid agonist activities of AM404 and olvanil were studied by using [³⁵S]GTPS autoradiography. Results. Topical AM404 (62.5 g), in HP--CD vehicle, decreased IOP significantly in treated eyes. AM404 (62.5 g) induced a significant IOP increase without subsequent decrease when given in propylene glycol vehicle. Olvanil (312.5 g) caused a significant IOP reduction without provoking an initial hypertensive phase. These compounds did not significantly affect the IOP of untreated eyes. Co-administered AM404 (125 g in HP--CD) had no significant effect on the IOP profile of AEA (62.5 g). Conclusions. Ocular administration of AM404 or olvanil decreased IOP in rabbits, although AM404 can provoke an initial ocular hypertension and did not potentiate the IOP responses induced by exogenous AEA.     

Size-Dependent Bioadhesion of Micro- and Nanoparticulate Carriers to the Inflamed Colonic Mucosa

Purpose. The size-dependent deposition of microparticles and nanoparticles after oral administration to rats using an experimental model colitis was examined. Local delivery of an entrapped drug could reduce side effects and would be a distinct improvement compared with existing colon delivery devices. Methods. Ulcerative colitis was induced in Lewis rats with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Fluorescent polystyrene particles with a size of 0.1, 1, or 10 m were administered for 3 days. The animals then were sacrificed and their guts resected. Particle distribution in the colon was imaged by confocal laser scanning microscopy and quantified by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Results. In the inflamed tissue, an increased adherence of particles was observed at the thicker mucus layer and in the ulcerated regions. A size dependency of the deposition was found, and an increased number of attached particles to the colon was determined compared with the control group. For 10-m particles, only fair deposition was observed (control group: 1.4 ± 0.6%; colitis: 5.2 ± 3.8% of administered particle mass). One-micrometer particles showed higher binding (control group: 2.0 ± 0.8%; colitis: 9.1 ± 4.2%). Highest binding was found for 0.1-m particles (control group: 2.2 ± 1.6%; colitis: 14.5 ± 6.3%). The ratio of colitis/control deposition increased with smaller particle sizes. Conclusions. The use of submicron-sized carriers holds promise for the targeted delivery of drugs to the inflamed colonic mucosal areas in inflammatory bowel disease.     

β 1- andβ 2-adrenoceptor binding and functional response in right and left atria of rat heart

Summary The properties of ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptors in right and left atria of rat heart, and their roles in mediating chronotropic and inotropic responses to-adrenoceptor agonists were examined. [¹²⁵I](-)-pindolol (¹²⁵IPIN) bound saturably and specifically to a single class of high affinity sites in homogenates of both right and left atria. Thek ₁'s for association in right and left atria were 6.5×10⁹ l/mol-min and 2.3×10⁹ l/mol-min respectively, while thek _–1's for dissociation were 0.20 min^–1 and 0.17 min^–1. The kinetically determinedK _D's were 75 pmol/l in right and 30 pmol/l in left atria and were similar to the equilibriumK _D's determined from Scatchard analysis of saturation isotherms of specific¹²⁵IPIN binding. Inhibition of¹²⁵IPIN binding by-adrenoceptor antagonists was stereoselective and the order of potency was timolol > 1-propranolol > d-propranolol > sotalol. Inhibition by ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptor subtype selective antagonists yielded flat displacement curves with low Hill coefficients. Nonlinear regression analysis of displacement by ₁-selective (practolol, atenolol and metoprolol) and ₂-selective (ICI 118,551) antagonists gave estimates of the proportion of ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptors present in rat atria. Right atria contained 67±4.2% ₂-adrenoceptors and 33±4.2% ₂-adrenoceptor, while left atria contained 67±2.8% ₁- and 33±2.8% ₂-adrenoceptors. Increases in the rate of spontaneously beating right atria and the force of electrically driven left atria caused by-adrenoceptor agonists were also measured. pA₂ values for non-subtype selective-adrenoceptor antagonists in inhibiting isoprenaline-induced increases in rate and force were highly correlated withK _D values determined for specific¹²⁵IPIN binding. pA₂ values for ₁- and ₂-selective antagonists in inhibiting isoprenaline-induced increases in rate and force correlated well with the pK _D values of these drugs in binding to ₁-adrenoceptors, but not with the pK _D values in binding to ₂-adrenoceptors. Dose-response curves for stimulation of both rate and force by the ₂-selective agonists procaterol and zinterol were shifted to a much greater extent by selective blockade of ₁-adrenoceptors with metoprolol than by selective blockade of ₂-adrenoceptors with ICI 118,551, suggesting that these compounds caused their effects by activating ₁-adrenoceptors. These results suggest that ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptors coexist in both left and right atria of rat heart in approximately a 21 ratio, however only ₁-adrenoceptors mediate the chronotropic and inotropic effects of-adrenoceptor agonists.Supported by a grant from the American Heart Association — Georgia Affiliate     

Anti-cholinergic effect of verapamil on the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-gated K+ channel in isolated guinea-pig atrial myocytes

Summary Effects of verapamil on the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced K⁺ current were examined in single atrial cells, using the tight-seal whole-cell clamp technique. The pipette solution contained guanosine-5-triphosphate (GTP) or guanosine-5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-S, a non-hydrolysable GTP analogue). In GTP-loaded cells, ACh induced a specific K⁺ current, which is known to be mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding (G) proteins. Verapamil (0.1–100 M) depressed the ACh-induced K⁺ current in a concentration-dependent fashion. In GTP-S-loaded cells, the K⁺ current remained persistently after wash-out of ACh, probably due to irreversible activation of G proteins by GTP-S. Verapamil (0.1–100 M) also depressed the intracellular GTP-S-induced K⁺ current. However, the magnitude of verapamil-depression of the K⁺ current in GTP-S-loaded cells was significantly smaller than that in GTP-loaded cells at concentrations between 1 and 10 M of the drug. From these results, it is suggested that verapamil may block not only the function of muscarinic ACh receptors but also of G proteins and/or the K⁺ channel itself and thereby depress the ACh-induced K⁺ current in isolated atrial myocytes.Supported by grants from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan and the Research Program on Ca Signal Control Send offprint requests to Y. Kurachi at the above address     

Analysis of the Compression Mechanics of Pharmaceutical Agglomerates of Different Porosity and Composition Using the Adams and Kawakita Equations

Purpose. To analyze the mechanics of some pharmaceuticalagglomerates during uniaxial confined compression by using compressionparameters derived from the Heckel, Kawakita and Adams equations, and tostudy the influence of these compression parameters on the tablet-formingability of agglomerates. Methods. Force and displacement data sampled during in-diecompression of agglomerates was used to calculate compression parametersaccording to the Heckel ( _y ), Kawakita(1/b and a), and Adams (₀)equations. Mechanical strength of single agglomerates as well as the airpermeability and tensile strength of tablets prepared from them were alsodetermined. Results. _y from the Heckelequation did not differ between agglomerates of different porosity. Both1/b and ₀ varied with agglomerate porosityand composition. These two compression parameters were linearly related toeach other. No general correlation was found between 1/b and₀ and the strength of single agglomerates. The twoparameters were related to the intergranular pore structure and tensilestrength of tablets formed from the agglomerates. Conclusions. 1/b and ₀ maybe interpreted as measures of the agglomerate shear strength during uniaxialconfined compression, and as such they may be used as indicators of thetabletting performance of the agglomerates.     

Thermodynamics of Binding of Neutral Molecules to Sulfobutyl Ether β-Cyclodextrins (SBE-β-CDs): The Effect of Total Degree of Substitution

Purpose. To understand the role of degree of substitutionon binding of molecules to -Cyclodextrins (-CDs) with varyingdegrees of sulfobutyl ether (SBE) substitution. Methods. Using UV spectroscopy, complexation constants ofmolecules to SBE--CDs were estimated as a function of temperature,allowing for calculation of thermodynamic parameters, including the enthalpyand entropy of binding. Results. Binding constants of various molecules toSBE--CDs did not show a uniform trend to total degree of SBEsubstitution. However, a distinct pattern was observed with the enthalpy andentropy of complexation. The results showed the complexation of substratesto SBE--CDs to be more entropy-favored as the number of SBE groupsincreased. This favorable entropy of interaction was compensated by a lessfavorable enthalpy of interaction. Conclusions. Enthalpy and entropy of complexation providedadditional insight into the role that the alkylsulfonate groups may play inthe complexation of molecules with SBE--CDs.     

Thermodynamic Study of Sulfanilamide Polymorphism: (I) Monotropy of the α-Variety

Purpose. Sulfanilamide was chosen as a model compound in order to gain insights on the stability hierarchy of drug polymorphs from structural and thermodynamic criteria. Despite numerous studies, disagreements remained on the reported enthalpies associated with the mutual interconvertions of the -, -, and -forms of sulfanilamide. Therefore, the unambiguous determination of these enthalpies was the purpose of this work. Methods. Samples, free of solvent inclusions and made of only one form, were prepared, and analyzed combining X-ray powder diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Results. The enthalpy values associated with the - to - and - to -transitions were found to be + 10.2 and + 10.9 J g^–1, respectively. The calculated enthalpy of the - to -transition is consistent with the experimental one ( + 1 J g^–1). Conclusions. The monotropy of the -form was ascertained over the explored temperature range at ordinary pressure.     

EEG and behavioral effects of natural,synthetic and biosynthetic cannabinoids

The pharmacological effects of marihuana in man and animals have been attributed to ¹ and ⁶ tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).Recently, one of the metabolites of THC, 7-OH-THC, has been reported to have intoxicating properties. A comparative study was carried out on the EEG and behavioral effects of cannabinol, cannabidiol, ⁶-THC, 7-OH- ⁶-THC and 7-Acetoxy ⁶-THC acetate in six chronically implanted rabbits bearing cortical and subcortical leads. Drugs were dissolved in polyethyleneglycol and administered i.v. once every 7 days in a crossover experimental design. 7-OH- ⁶-THC and 7-Acetoxy- ⁶THC acetate proved to be at least twice as active as ⁶-THC in inducing EEG changes (disruption of theta waves, appearance of spikes and waves, blockade of the arousal reaction) and behavioral alterations (excitation, exophthalmus, mydriasis, corneal arreflexia, ataxia and swaying). Pretreatment with 1 or 2 mg/kg of reserpine, s.c., did not substantially alter the subjects response to THC.Amphetamine 2 mg/kg, i.v., in animals pretreated with 2 or 4 mg/kg ⁶-THC, reverses in part the depression induced by THC.     

EEG,heart rate and mood change (“high”) after Cannabis

Fourteen experienced marijuana users smoked marijuana, hashish, ⁹-THC, and placebo. EEG, ECG and ratings of subjective feelings of high and pleasantness were recorded. EEGs were processed by period analysis.In EEG, marijuana and ⁹-THC increased the amount of alpha activity, and the three Cannabis preparations decreased the amount of beta activity. The average frequency of alpha activity was decreased by 0.15–0.20 c/sec after marijuana, hashish and ⁹-THC. The peak EEG effect occurred during the first 10 min after smoking; most of the changes disappeared after 40 min. Heart rate was increased by all the three drugs, and the effect persisted for the entire observation period (50 min).Feelings of high were elicited by each Cannabis preparation. This was not true of the pleasantness of the experience: only marijuana and hashish were perceived as more pleasant than placebo. Intensity of high increased with the amount of alpha activity, and decreased with the average alpha frequency. Pleasantness was unrelated to the EEG.The high showed a linear increase with heart rate, whereas pleasantness of the experience was an inverted U-function of heart rate.Aided, in part, by MH 13358, 18172 and by a contract with the New York State Narcotic Addiction Control Commission.     

Macroflux® Microprojection Array Patch Technology: A New and Efficient Approach for Intracutaneous Immunization

Purpose. We evaluated the Macroflux® microprojection array patch technology as a novel system for intracutaneous delivery of protein antigens. Methods. Macroflux® microprojection array systems (330-m microprojection length, 190 microprojections/cm², 1- and 2-cm² area) were coated with a model protein antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), to produce a dry-film coating. After system application, microprojection penetration depth, OVA delivery, and comparative immune responses were evaluated in a hairless guinea pig model. Results. Macroflux® microprojections penetrated into hairless guinea pig skin at an average depth of 100 m with no projections deeper than 300 m. Doses of 1 to 80 g of OVA were delivered via 1- or 2-cm² systems by varying the coating solution concentration and wearing time. Delivery rates were as high as 20 g in 5 s. In a prime and boost dose immune response study, OVA-coated Macroflux® was most comparable to equivalent doses injected intradermally. Higher antibody titers were observed when OVA was administered with the microprojection array or intradermally at low doses (1 and 5 g). Macroflux® administration at 1- and 5-g doses gave immune responses up to 50-fold greater than that observed after the same subcutaneous or intramuscular dose. Dry coating an adjuvant, glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide, with OVA on the Macroflux® resulted in augmented antibody responses. Conclusions. Macroflux® skin patch technology provides rapid and reproducible intracutaneous administration of dry-coated antigen. The depth of skin penetration targets skin immune cells; the quantity of antigen delivered can be controlled by formulation, patch wearing time, and system size. This novel needle-free patch technology may ultimately have broad applications for a wide variety of therapeutic vaccines to improve efficacy and convenience of use.     

The Solution Conformations of Lidocaine Analogues

IR and ¹H NMR studies in CDCl₃ and CCl₄ of a series of tertiary aminoxylidides with the amino group in the 2 to 6 position of the acyl chain are described. Lidocaine, diethylaminoaceto-2,6-xylidide, forms an intramolecular five-membered ring hydrogen-bonded monomer at all concentrations in both solvents. -Diethyl-amino-propiono-2,6-xylidide forms an intramolecular six-membered ring hydrogen-bonded monomer in CDCl₃ and CCl₄ but a trans intermolecularly associated species is the major form present at high concentrations in CCl₄. The longer-chain homologues are mixtures of nonassociated trans and cis monomers at low concentrations but associated trans forms predominate at high concentrations. Evidence for the presence of a hydrogen-bonded seven-membered ring intramolecular monomer in CDCl₃ for -diethylaminobutyro-2,6-xylidide is presented. The relationship between the molecular conformation and the partition coefficient is discussed.