Effect of fenoldopam prodrug,SK&F R-105058, on renal function in rats

Recent development of and studies on fenoldopam prodrugs have shown their prolonged hemodynamic effects. This study was carried out in order to examine the effect of a fenoldopam prodrug on renal function in rats. In the present study we administered SK&F R-105058, the 4′,7,8-tris-N-ethyl carbamate ester of R-fenoldopam, at a dose of 30 μg/kg/min intravenously to the anesthetized rats. This prodrug produced long-lasting increases in water and sodium excretion after termination of the 30-min drug infusion with minimum changes in hemodynamic parameters. The diuresis and natriuresis were attenuated in the presence of a selective DA₁ receptor antagonist SCH 23390. Therefore, it is suggested that production of fenoldopam from its precursor drug SK&F R-105058 caused these prolonged renal effects, which were mediated via the activation of DA₁ receptors located on renal tubules. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Pharmacology of methylpentynol and methylpentynol carbamate

The pharmacology of methylpentynol and methylpentynol carbamate has been studied. The drugs depressed monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes, and exerted weak ganglion and neuromuscular blocking actions. They also produced transitory hypotension, and increase of aortic blood flow. Perfusion of the coronary arteries with these drugs led to slowing of the heart, diminished systolic amplitude, dysrhythmias, and increased coronary flow. Respiration was stimulated with small and depressed with larger doses of both drugs. The two compounds diminished the response of the isolated guinea-pig ileum to drugs acting directly on muscle or through ganglia. The effect of the two substances was likened to that of other central nervous system depressants, particularly to that of ethanol.     

Synthesis and evaluation of oxodioxolenylmethyl carbamate prodrugs of pseudomycins

With the aim of increasing therapeutic indexes of novel cyclic depsinonapeptide pseudomycins, we synthesized and evaluated a series of mono-, di-, and trioxodioxolenylmethyl carbamate prodrugs (2 and 4) of pseudomycin B 1 and pseudomycin C' 3. It is rather encouraging to note that several members of the newly synthesized prodrugs described herein (e.g., 2a, 2e, and 4e) exhibited comparable in vivo efficacy to that achieved by the parent compounds, yet free of tail vein irritation and histamine induced toxicity in vivo.     

(Acyloxy)alkyl carbamate prodrugs of norfloxacin

As a new prodrug approach to norfloxacin (NFLX) we prepared the acetoxyalkyl carbamates of the type NFLX-CO-OCHR-OAc by the reaction of sodium or mercuric acetate on NFLX alpha-chloroalkyl carbamates. These produrgs did not have the bitter taste of NFLX. In vitro, the acetoxyethyl carbamate exhibited activity only against Staphylococcus spp. and was inactive against Gram-negative organisms. However, in the presence of serum and intestinal homogenate, esterase-catalyzed hydrolysis of the ester bond in these modified carbamates led to a cascade reaction resulting in the rapid regeneration of NFLX. At high oral doses of the prodrug, the acetaldehyde produced as a side product in the breakdown of the promoiety caused a slight decrease in alcohol metabolism in a mouse model. The bioavailability of NFLX from the acetoxyethyl carbamate was lower compared to an equivalent dose of NFLX when given as an oral suspension in rhesus monkeys, presumably because of the lower aqueous solubility of the prodrug.     

Alpha-adrenoceptor blocking activity of fenoldopam (SK&F 82526), a selective DA1 agonist

The alpha-adrenoceptor blocking activity of fenoldopam (SK&F 82526), a selective dopamine vascular receptor (DA1) agonist, was evaluated in isolated segmental preparations of rabbit aorta, dog mesenteric and rabbit splenic arteries. Fenoldopam, in concentrations ranging from 10(-6) to 10(-4) M, produced parallel, dextral shifts of concentration-contractile response curves to noradrenaline. Slopes of the Schild regression lines were not significantly different from unity in the three vessels. pA2 values for fenoldopam in the rabbit aorta, dog mesenteric and rabbit splenic arteries were 5.48 +/- 0.08, 5.78 +/- 0.05, and 5.20 +/- 0.05, respectively. In experiments where the drug was added to the bathing medium before exposing the vascular segments to the irreversible alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, phenoxybenzamine, fenoldopam provided nearly complete protection against alpha-adrenoceptor blockade. These results demonstrate that fenoldopam possesses alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist activity and competes with alpha-phenoxybenzamine, for occupancy at the same receptor site.     

Species-dependent and site-specific intestinal metabolism of ester prodrugs

In order to select a species for drug absorption studies of ester prodrugs and to identify a possible absorption window with low esterase activity and hence increased absorption of the ester prodrug, the esterase activity was investigated in homogenates from various intestinal segments of different species. p-Nitrophenyl acetate and tenofovir disoproxil [bis(POC)-PMPA] were used as substrates for esterases. p-Nitrophenyl acetate is a model substrate for esterase activity, while tenofovir disoproxil (fumarate salt) is an ester prodrug of the potent antiviral nucleoside phosphonate analogue tenofovir. As esterase-mediated degradation during transepithelial transport may be a limiting factor for its oral absorption, targeting the prodrug to a region of the intestine with lower esterase activity may lead to an increase in oral absorption of the prodrug. The results obtained with p-nitrophenyl acetate and tenofovir disoproxil showed both a site-specific (duodenum > or = jejunum > ileum > or = colon) and species-dependent (rat > man > pig) degradation in intestinal homogenates. Degradation of tenofovir disoproxil in homogenates from Caco-2 monolayers (0.016+/-0.003 nmol. s(-1). mg protein(-1)) was low compared to its degradation in homogenates from human ileum (0.177+/-0.052 nmol. s(-1). mg protein(-1)). Rat ileum appears to be a suitable model to evaluate the influence of esterase activity on the oral absorption of the ester prodrug, as the degradation rate for tenofovir disoproxil (0.245+/-0.054 nmol. s(-1). mg protein(-1)) in rat ileum was similar to degradation in human ileum. The results also suggest that colon targeting may be a useful strategy to reduce the esterase-mediated degradation of ester prodrugs, hence resulting in a possible increase in their oral absorption.     

Human skin permeation of 3-O-alkyl carbamate prodrugs of naltrexone

N-Monoalkyl and N,N-dialkyl carbamate prodrugs of naltrexone (NTX), an opioid antagonist, were synthesized and their in vitro permeation across human skin was determined. Relevant physicochemical properties were also determined. Most prodrugs exhibited lower melting points, lower aqueous solubilities, and higher oil solubilities than NTX. The flux values from N-monoalkyl carbamate prodrugs were significantly higher than those from NTX and N,N-dialkyl carbamates. The melting points of N-monoalkyl carbamate prodrugs were quite low compared to the N,N-dialkyl carbamate prodrugs and NTX. Heats of fusion for the N,N-dialkyl carbamate prodrugs were higher than that for NTX. N-Monoalkyl carbamate prodrugs had higher stratum corneum/vehicle partition coefficients than their N,N-dialkyl counterparts. Higher percent prodrug bioconversion to NTX in skin appeared to be related to increased skin flux. N,N-Dialkyl carbamate prodrugs were more stable in buffer and in plasma than N-monoalkyl carbamate prodrugs. In conclusion, N-monoalkyl carbamate prodrugs of NTX improved the systemic delivery of NTX across human skin in vitro. N,N-Dialkyl substitution in the prodrug moiety decreased skin permeation and plasma hydrolysis to the parent drug. The cross-sectional area of the carbamate head group was the major determinant of flux of the N-monoalkyl and N,N-dialkyl carbamate prodrugs of NTX.     

Synthesis, physicochemical properties and antiviral activities of ester prodrugs of ganciclovir

The purpose of this study was to synthesize a series of diester prodrugs of ganciclovir (GCV), for improving ocular and oral bioavailability and therapeutic activity. Solubility, logP, pH stability profile, in vitro antiviral activity, cytotoxicity, inhibition profile and ocular tissue hydrolysis of the GCV prodrugs were measured. Val-Val-GCV and Val-Gly-GCV diesters were found to exhibit greater aqueous stability compared to Val-GCV and Gly-Val-GCV while ocular tissue hydrolysis demonstrated Val-Gly-GCV and Gly-Val-GCV to be more stable. Val-Val-GCV and Val-GCV diesters were the most lipophilic compounds and were predicted to possess a partition coefficient 295- and 12-fold greater than that of GCV, respectively. All the prodrugs possess much higher aqueous solubility than the parent drug GCV. Ex vivo uptake in the rabbit eye indicates that the prodrugs have high uptake potential. The prodrugs showed no increase in cytotoxicity compared to GCV, instead there was a marked increase in their potency against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) as well as HSV-1 and HSV-2. This should allow therapeutic response to be seen at a lower concentration that can be achieved more easily, than the drugs currently being used. In conclusion, the diester GCV prodrugs demonstrated excellent chemical stability, high aqueous solubility and markedly enhanced antiviral potency against the herpes viruses without any increase in cytotoxicity.     

Carbamate ester prodrugs of dopaminergic compounds: synthesis, stability, and bioconversion.

Various carbamic acid esters (CAE) of a new class of dopaminergic drugs, 5-substituted 8-chloro-7-hydroxy-3-methyl-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-1 H-3-benzazepines, were synthesized and evaluated as prodrug forms with the aim of protecting the parent phenols against first-pass metabolism following oral administration. Monosubstituted CAE were found to be highly unstable at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C, the half-lives of hydrolysis being between 4 and 40 min. Plasma from various species catalyzed the hydrolysis of the carbamates. N,N-Disubstituted carbamates, on the other hand, were stable both in buffer and plasma solutions. They showed a very potent inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8), but were less potent inhibitors of the specific erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.17). In vitro incubations of an N,N-dimethylsubstituted carbamate ester (10) with liver microsomes from mouse and rat showed an appreciable formation of the parent phenolic compound. This bioconversion is suggested to occur via an initial cytochrome P-450-catalyzed hydroxylation to give an N-hydroxymethyl derivative which spontaneously decomposes to the N-monomethylcarbamate. It is concluded that N,N-disubstituted carbamate esters may be potentially useful prodrugs for the 7-hydroxy-3-benzazepines, whereas N-monosubstituted carbamates appear to be too chemically and enzymatically labile.     

Synthesis, stereoselective enzymatic hydrolysis, and skin permeation of diastereomeric propranolol ester prodrugs

Four diastereomeric propranolol ester prodrugs (1S2S, 1S2R, 1R2S, 1R2R) were synthesized by treating pure R- and S-propranolol hydrochloride with pure enantiomers R- and S-phenylbutyryl chloride. A HPLC technique using alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (chiral AGP) column was developed to study the racemization of propranolol enantiomers during synthesis and hydrolysis studies. A reversed phase HPLC method was also developed to simultaneously analyze propranolol and the ester prodrug. Hydrolysis of these esters was studied in different rat tissue homogenates, i.e., liver, intestine, plasma, skin, brain, and pure plasma cholinesterases, i.e., butyryl cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) and acetyl cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7). In vitro percutaneous permeation studies across full thickness shaved rat skin were performed using standard side-by-side diffusion cells at 37 degrees C. The disappearance of the diastereomeric ester prodrugs in rat tissue homogenates followed apparent first-order kinetics and was stereoselective. The ratio of brain to plasma hydrolytic rate constants are 27.8, 5.58, 6.07, and 2.97 for 1S2S, 1R2R, 1R2S, and 1S2R esters, respectively. Hydrolysis of all four diastereomeric ester prodrugs was faster by acetyl cholinesterase than butyryl cholinesterase and is stereoselective. The permeability coefficients [Kp x 10(3) (cm h-1)] are 1.40 +/- 0.30, 1.41 +/- 0.27, 42.20 +/- 1.24, 29.26 +/- 3.41, 16.27 +/- 3.12, 12.99 +/- 2.84 for (R)-propranolol, (S)-propranolol, 1S2S, 1R2S, 1S2R, and 1R2R ester prodrugs, respectively. The results indicate that the 1R2S diastereomeric ester prodrug of propranolol shows greatest stability in liver and intestinal tissues while it exhibits fairly rapid conversion in plasma. The results also suggest the configuration on the second chiral carbon atom to be the determinant in the rate of hydrolysis of all the diastereomeric prodrugs in all biological media examined. The Kp of all four prodrugs markedly increased compared to that of the parent drug, with 1S2S showing a 30-fold increase in skin permeability, the highest among all four prodrugs.     

Effects of dopamine prodrugs and fenoldopam on glomerular hyperfiltration in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

The effects of dopamine (DA) prodrugs (L-dopa and gludopa) and of a D1-selective agonist (fenoldopam) on glomerular hyperfiltration were studied in the early stage of diabetes in rats. Wistar rats received one injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and were treated 1 week later with L-dopa (2 x 10 mg/kg/day, s.c.), gludopa (2 x 3 or 2 x 10 mg/kg/day, s.c.), or fenoldopam (2 x 0.3 or 2 x 1 mg/kg/day, s.c.). Their renal functions were compared with those of untreated diabetic and nondiabetic control rats. STZ injection led to hyperglycemia that was kept moderate (20-25 mmol/L) by daily insulin therapy (2-4 U of NPH insulin). Within 2 weeks, glomerular hyperfiltration (polyfructosan clearance) developed in diabetic rats (30% increase vs. nondiabetic control). A rise in renal plasma flow (PAH clearance) was sometimes observed. One week of treatment with either L-dopa, gludopa, or fenoldopam normalized the glomerular filtration rate and decreased filtration fraction. These corrections occurred despite similar metabolic disturbance and kidney hypertrophy. Gludopa was less well tolerated by diabetic rats than L-dopa. Results with L-dopa showed that the normalization of glomerular hyperfiltration was linked to DA synthesis and stimulation of D1 receptors, since it was reversed by carbidopa, a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor, and by SCH 23390, a D1-selective antagonist. These data show that DA prodrugs and a D1 agonist can suppress diabetic glomerular hyperfiltration in the very early course of the disease in rats.     

Effect of concomitant food intake on absorption kinetics of fenoldopam (SK&F 82526) in healthy volunteers

Summary Eight healthy volunteers participated in an open crossover study to assess the effect of a standardised meal on the systemic availability of a single oral dose of fenoldopam mesylate 100 mg. Subjects were studied on four separate occasions, twice fasting and twice fed in randomised, balanced order. Plasma and urine samples were obtained before and at regular intervals up to 25 h post dose. Measurement of fenoldopam (SK&F 82526) and its 8-sulphate metabolite (SK&F 87782) were by means of HPLC-EC analysis. Area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) and maximum detected plasma concentration (C_max) for fenoldopam and SK&F 87782 were significantly reduced whereas time to maximum concentration was significantly increased with food. Using AUC's for fenoldopam and SK&F 87782, mean relative bioavailabilities were 35% and 81% respectively under fed compared with fasting conditions. Twenty-four hour excretion of fenoldopam was significantly reduced with food, but excretion of SK&F 87782 was apparently unchanged. Mean relative bioavailabilities calculated from these data were 83% and 86% respectively. Relatively large inter-subject variability in AUC and C_max were seen, but intra-subject variability was not marked. Mild symptoms associated with vasodilation were reported on all study days.     

三环苦参酯类前药的设计、合成及其药动学研究

目的设计合成全新三环苦参酯类前药衍生物,旨在改善其体内药动学行为。方法以苦参碱为原料,经碱水解开环、羧基成酯、12N-苄基取代、甲酯还原得到三环苦参醇母体化合物。采用两种前药制备策略,合成11个酯类前药和2个含有二硫键的前药化合物。选用SD大鼠测定化合物的口服药动学(PK)参数。结果与结论合成了13个未见文献报道的全新结构的三环苦参酯类前药,其结构经HR-MS、~1H-NMR、~(13)C-NMR谱确证。药动学研究表明,不同类型前药的主要药动学参数均低于原药,cLogP值在合理范围内(0~4)的原药可能不适合使用前药策略来改善其药动学行为。     

Synthesis and evaluation of Ketorolac ester prodrugs for transdermal delivery

Alkyl esters of ketorolac were synthesized as potential prodrugs for transdermal delivery and evaluated to determine the relationship between their skin permeation characteristics and their physicochemical properties. Solubility of the prodrugs in various vehicles was determined at room temperature while lipophilicity was obtained as 1-octanol/water partition coefficients (logP) and capacity factors (k') using HPLC. Metabolism of the prodrugs to ketorolac was studied both in rat skin homogenate and in plasma. Rat skin permeation characteristics of the prodrugs saturated in propylene glycol were investigated using the Keshary-Chien permeation system at 37 degrees C. An increase in logP and capacity factor values of the prodrugs were observed in proportion to their alkyl chain length. Good linear relationship between the logP values and capacity factor was observed (r(2) = 0.92). Prodrugs were rapidly degraded to ketorolac both in the skin homogenate and in plasma following a first-order kinetics. To determine accurate amounts of prodrug permeated, both the prodrug and parent drug concentration in the receptor solution were determined in mole units. The skin permeation rate of the alkyl ester prodrugs was significantly higher with a shorter lag time than that of ketorolac. The permeation rate of ketorolac reached maximum in its 1-propyl ester form as 46.61 nmol/cm(2)/h, and a parabolic relationship was observed between the permeation rate and the logP values of the prodrugs. Alkyl ester prodrugs of ketorolac having optimum lipophilicity could improve the transdermal delivery of ketorolac.     

Pharmacokinetic analysis of ester prodrugs of valproic acid.

The pharmacokinetics of five monoester prodrugs of valproic acid (VPA) were investigated: propyl valproate (P-VPA), butyl valproate (B-VPA), isobutyl valproate (IB-VPA), isoamyl valproate (IA-VPA), and hexyl valproate (H-VPA). In addition, the anticonvulsant activity of these compounds was evaluated and compared with that of VPA and valpromide (VPD). The pharmacokinetics of VPA and its five ester derivatives were determined after intravenous administration of equivalent doses (400 mg of VPA) to six dogs. The five ester prodrugs of VPA were biotransformed to VPA; the biotransformation was complete for P-VPA, B-VPA, and H-VPA but was only partial for IB-VPA and IA-VPA. Because of the rapid conversion of the prodrugs to the parent drug, levels of VPA in plasma after administration of the prodrugs peaked at 6-26 min after dosing and did not yield an in vivo sustained-release dosage profile. Of the five ester prodrugs of VPA, only P-VPA demonstrated anticonvulsant activity. P-VPA also was less neurotoxic than VPA and VPD; therefore, it has a better protective index.     

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro hydrolysis studies of ester and amide prodrugs of dexibuprofen

Ten prodrugs of dexibuprofen having ester and amide moieties instead of free carboxylic acid which involves in gastrointestinal side effects have been synthesized. Dexibuprofen acid chloride was condensed with different amino acid methyl ester hydrochlorides and five alcohols to afford the amide and ester prodrugs. All of the synthesized prodrugs were characterized by their mp, R _f, elemental analysis, FTIR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The in vitro hydrolysis studies in plasma reflect prodrugs have been varied in terms of reactivity toward hydrolysis, owing to the different chemical structures. In alkyl substitution the branched chain alkyl substituents or aromatic substituents resulted in enhanced lipophilicity but diminished dissolution and hydrolysis rate. The amide prodrugs with branched and aromatic substitution can also be considered for sustained release. Prodrugs are less irritating to gastric mucosa than dexibuprofen.     

Synthesis, stability studies, anti-inflammatory activity and ulcerogenicity of morpholinoalkyl ester prodrugs of niflumic acid

In search for potential prodrugs for anti-inflammatory drug candidates in the niflumate series, novel morpholinoalkyl ester prodrugs of niflumic acid (CAS 4394-00-7) 5a-b were prepared by esterification of appropriate morpholinylalkyl alcohols 3a-b with niflumic acid 4 in the presence of dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC) and catalyst dimethylamino pyridine (DMAP) at 0-5 degrees C. The structures were confirmed by elemental and spectral data (UV, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and EI-MS). The ester prodrugs 5a-b showed better solubility than the parent drug niflumic acid 4 in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The in vitro hydrolysis studies were conducted at pH 1.3 (SGF), phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and in human plasma diluted with phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) at 37+/-0.5 degrees C using HPLC with UV detection. The ester prodrugs 5a-b were quantitatively hydrolyzed to the parent drug niflumic acid 4 by enzymatic and/or chemical means. It is observed that an increase in the carbon chain length rendered the prodrugs 5a-b more stable in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) than in pH 1.3 (SGF), but they were rapidly hydrolyzed in human plasma at 37+/-0.5 degrees C. They exhibited longer hydrolytic half-lives of 16.11-53.30 h in aqueous buffer solutions (pH 1.3 and 7.4) and 1.63-2.73 min in human plasma, respectively. The title compounds were evaluated in vivo for anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model in rats at the doses 45, 90, 150 mg/kg b.w. The test compounds exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity (46.6-53.2 % at the dose of 150 mg/kg b. w.) with respect to niflumic acid (78.7 % at the dose of 90 mg/kg b.w.). The compounds were also screened for in vivo ulcerogenicity, it was observed that the prodrug 5b was significantly less irritating to gastric mucosa than compound 5a and the parent drug niflumic acid 4 following single and chronic oral administration in rats.     

Pharmacology of the pyrroloimidazole, SK&F 105809--II. Antiinflammatory activity and inhibition of mediator production in vivo

SK&F 105809 [2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-3-(4-pyridyl)- 6,7-dihydro-[5H]-pyrrolo[1,2,a] imidazole] demonstrated unique antiinflammatory activities in murine models that are resistant to selective cyclooxygenase (CO) inhibitors. Both edema and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by the topical application of arachidonic acid to the mouse ear were decreased by SK&F 105809 (ED50 values of 44 mg/kg, p.o.). Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration following the intraperitoneal injection of either monosodium urate crystal or carrageenan was inhibited with ED50 values of 64 and 72 mg/kg, p.o., respectively. These inflammatory responses were unaffected by the selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor naproxen. SK&F 105809 also inhibited leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and prostaglandin E2 production in vivo in arachidonic acid-induced inflammatory exudates (ED50 values of 41 and 15 mg/kg, p.o., respectively). The inhibition of LTB4 production preceded the inhibition of PMN infiltration. The impact of inhibition of both 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and CO was seen with platelet-activating factor-induced vascular permeability which was inhibited markedly by SK&F 105809. However, the 5-LO inhibitor, phenidone, only strongly inhibited when coadministered with the selective CO inhibitor, indomethacin. In spite of a short half-life (14-18 min) for both SK&F 105809 and the active metabolite SK&F 105561 [2-(4- methylthiophenyl)-3-(4-pyridyl)-6,7-dihydro-[5H]-pyrrolo[1,2-a] imidazole], the pharmacological activity lasted at least 1.5 hr. The biochemical evidence of inhibition of interleukin-1 (IL-1) production and 5-LO and CO activity, in vitro, by the metabolite (SK&F 105561) seen in the companion paper (Marshall PJ, Griswold DE, Breton J. Webb EF, Hillegass LM, Sarau HM, Newton J Jr, Lee JC, Bender PE and Hanna N, Pharmacology of the pyrroloimidazole, SK&F 105809--I. Inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production and of 5-lipoxygenase- and cyclooxygenase-mediated metabolism of arachidonic acid. Biochem Pharmacol 42: 813-824, 1991) and inhibition of the fluid and cellular phases of the inflammatory response, in vivo, by SK&F 105809 suggest that this compound possesses a unique profile of activity.     

Chemical stability, enzymatic hydrolysis, and nasal uptake of amino acid ester prodrugs of acyclovir

The objective of this work was to improve nasal absorption of relatively impermeable small drug molecules via an amino acid prodrug approach. Acyclovir was selected as a model drug. L-Aspartate beta-ester, L-lysyl, and L-phenylalanyl esters of acyclovir were synthesized to investigate their effectiveness in enhancing nasal absorption of acyclovir. A stability study was conducted in phosphate buffer under various pH conditions at 25 and 37 degrees C. Enzymatic hydrolysis in rat nasal washings and plasma was conducted at 37 degrees C. A rat in situ nasal perfusion technique was utilized in this investigation to examine the rate and extent of nasal absorption of amino acid prodrugs. The remaining analyte concentrations in the nasal perfusate were quantitated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The results revealed that the L-lysyl and L-phenylalanyl esters were less stable than L-aspartate beta-ester. The stability of all three esters decreased with increasing pH and temperature. L-phenylalanyl ester is highly susceptible to plasma esterases, with an in vitro half-life 1.33 min. The rat in situ nasal perfusion study revealed that the extent of nasal absorption of acyclovir, L-lysyl and L-phenylalanyl esters was not significant (p < 1%). L-Aspartate beta-ester was absorbed to the extent of approximately 8% over 90 min of perfusion at an initial drug concentration of 100 microM. Nasal absorption of L-aspartate beta-ester of acyclovir was inhibited by L-asparagine but not by a dipeptide glycylsarcosine (Gly-Sar). The enhancement of acyclovir nasal absorption from the L-aspartate beta-ester prodrug suggests that nasal uptake of this prodrug probably involves an active transport system.