Technetium-99m-Labeled N-(2-Hydroxypropyl) Methacrylamide Copolymers: Synthesis,Characterization, and in Vivo Biodistribution

PURPOSE: To synthesize novel technetium-99m (99mTc)-labeled N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers and characterize the effect of charge and molecular weight on their biodistribution in SCID mice. METHODS: Electronegative and neutral 7-kDa, 21-kDa, and 70-kDa HPMA copolymers containing a 99mTc chelating comonomer, bearing N-omega-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-L-lysine (DPK), were synthesized by free-radical precipitation copolymerization. The copolymers were labeled via 99mTc tricarbonyl chelation to DPK-bearing comonomer. They were characterized by side-chain content, molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, radiochemical purity, and labeling stability. Scintigraphic images were obtained during the first 90 min and at 24 h postintravenous injection in SCID mice. At 24 h, organ radioactivity was determined from necropsy tissue counting. RESULTS: 99mTc-labeled HPMA copolymers showed greater than 90% stability over a 24-h challenge with cysteine and histidine. Scintigraphic images and the necropsy data showed that the negatively charged copolymers were eliminated from the body significantly faster than the neutral copolymers in a size-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: To facilitate clinical scintigraphic imaging, stable chelation of 99mTc may be achieved by incorporation of a DPK-bearing comonomer into the HPMA backbone. Electronegative and neutral 99mTc-labeled HPMA copolymers of 7, 21, and 70 kDa show significant variation in organ biodistribution in SCID mice. 99mTc-labeled HPMA copolymers could be used as diagnostic agents and to study pharmacokinetics of delivery systems based on these copolymers.     

Gamma Scintigraphy of a 123I-Labelled N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)Methacrylamide Copolymer-Doxorubicin Conjugate Containing Galactosamine Following Intravenous Administration to Nude Mice Bearing Hepatic Human Colon Carcinoma

Abstract

Polymer drug conjugates composed of N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer covalently bound, doxorubicin, and containing additionally galactosamine to facilitate hepatocyte-specific targeting (HPMA copolymer-dox-gal), were synthesised to contain a small amount (～1 mol%) of the monomer methacryloyltyrosinamide to permit radioiodination with [¹²³I]iodide. After intravenous administration to both normal mice and nude mice bearing hepatic human colon carcinoma, the biodistribution of the conjugate was monitored using the gamma camera, and also by dissection analysis. Efficient liver accumulation of HPMA copolymer-dox-gal was seen in the gamma camera images within 20 min, both in normal and rumour-bearing animals. Quantitatively liver uptake was ～40% dose administered/g liver. Images of the tumour-bearing animals showed clearly a much lower accumulation of HPMA copolymer-dox-gal in the colon carcinoma deposits within the liver (3-9% dose/g tumour), and this lack of uptake was verified by ex vivo imaging of the tumour-containing liver and also by dissection analysis. It can be concluded that ¹²³I-labelled HPMA copolymer conjugates offer great potential as effective imaging agents and can be used for future non-invasive clinical studies. This nuclear imaging method will enable optimisation of the dosing schedule by identification of doses of HPMA copolymer-dox-gal that display receptor saturation (and hence diminished targeting efficiency). In addition this conjugate can provide negative images of liver-associated tumour deposits that do not express the asialoglycoprotein receptor.     

Gamma Scintigraphy of the Biodistribution of 123I-Labelled N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide Copolymer-Doxorubicin Conjugates in Mice with Transplanted Melanoma and Mammary Carcinoma

Abstract

An N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-doxorubicin conjugate is currently under clinical evaluation as a new antitumour agent. It has been shown previously that such conjugates exhibit selective tumour accumulation. In this study HPMA copolymer doxorubicin conjugates of low (LMW) or high (HMW) molecular weight were synthesised (which had a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 25,000 and 94,000 respectively) and additionally contained a small amount (1 mol%) of the comonomer methacryloyltyrosinamide to permit labelling with [¹²³I or ¹²⁵I]iodide. Gamma camera imaging using the I-labelled probes was used to follow time-dependent biodistribution after intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intravenous (i.v.) administration to mice bearing subcutaneously either B16F10 melanoma or a mammary carcinoma. Imaging showed more rapid clearance of LMW conjugate from the peritoneal cavity than HMW conjugate. The images of mice given the LMW conjugate revealed rapid urinary excretion of radioactivity after both i.p. and i.v. injection with an early high concentration of tracer in the bladder, and subsequently a very high concentration in the kidneys, which came to dominate the views. Dissection analysis 2 days after administration of the LMW conjugate revealed a kidney level of radioactivity corresponding to 25-40 %dose/g tissue in mice bearing the two tumour models. Following administration of the HMW conjugate kidney accumulation at 2 days was less due to retention of the higher molecular weight polymer molecules in the circulation, and spleen and liver displayed the highest concentrations of radioactivity. The tumour accumulation of LMW and HMW conjugates was; mammary carcinoma 3.18 and 5.29 % dose/g respectively; B16F10 melanoma 3.23 and 8.82 %dose/g although these levels of tracer enabled visualisation in the images of the mammary carcinoma with HMW conjugate at later time points. The smaller size of the B16F10 tumour masses did not permit clear visualisation.     

Comparison of the Anticancer Effect of Free and HPMA Copolymer-Bound Adriamycin in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells

Purpose. To study peculiarities and the mechanism of the anticancer effect of free and HPMA copolymer-bound ADR in sensitive and resistant human ovarian carcinoma cells. Methods. Sensitive A2780 and ADR resistant A2780/AD cells were exposed to different doses of drugs during 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours. Cell viability, drug accumulation, apoptosis, cellular metabolism, lipid peroxidation, DNA content and gene expression were studied. Results. HPMA copolymer-bound ADR (P(GFLG)-ADR) possessed a comparable cytotoxicity to free ADR when comparison was based on intracellular concentrations. While free ADR up-regulated genes encoding ATP driven efflux pumps (MDR1, MRP), P(GFLG)-ADR overcame existing pumps and down regulated the MRP gene. Free ADR also activated cell metabolism and expression of genes responsible for detoxification and DNA repair. P(GFLG)-ADR down-regulated HSP-70, GSr-, BUDP, Topo-II, , and TK-1 genes. Apoptosis, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were significantly higher after exposure to P(GFLG)-ADR, as reflected by simultaneous activation of p53, c-fos in A2780 cells) or c-jun (A2780/AD) signaling pathways and inhibition of the bcl-2 gene. Differences between free ADR and P(GFLG)-ADR increased with the time of incubation and drug concentration. Conclusions. P(GFLG)-ADR overcame drug efflux pumps, more significantly induced apoptosis and lipid peroxidation, inhibited DNA repair, replication, and biosynthesis when compared to free ADR.     

细胞内游离钙与柯萨奇病毒B_3诱导的大鼠培养心肌细胞凋亡(英文)

目的:探讨[Ca~(2 )]_i在柯萨奇病毒(CV)B_3诱导心肌培养细胞凋亡中的作用。方法:DNA裂点检测法(3'-末端标记)及扫描电镜检测细胞凋亡,Fluo3-AM负载心肌细胞,共聚焦显微镜观察[Ca~(2 )]_i荧光强度变化,结果:感染24 h,心肌细胞内CVB_3的浓度达峰值,感染10 h未见凋亡的心肌细胞,17,24和36 h凋亡细胞分别为5％,60％和90％,感染17 h心肌[Ca~(2 )]_i浓度达峰值,电镜结果提示凋亡的特征,结论:CVB_3可诱导培养心肌细胞的凋亡过程,细胞内Ca~(2 )参与凋亡细胞的信息转导过程,并在凋亡早期发挥重要作用。     

Uranyl Nitrilotriacetate, a Stabilized Salt of Uranium, is Genotoxic in Nontransformed Human Colon Cells and in the Human Colon Adenoma Cell Line LT97

Previous uranium mining in the "Wismut" region in Germany enhancedenvironmental distribution of heavy metals and radionuclides.Carryover effects may now lead to contamination of locally producedfoods. Compounds of "Wismut" origin are probably genotoxic viatheir irradiating components (radon) or by interacting directlywith cellular macromolecules. To assess possible hazards, weinvestigated the genotoxic effects of uranyl nitrilotriacetate(U-NTA) in human colon tumor cells (HT29 clone 19A), adenomacells (LT97), and nontransformed primary colon cells. Theseare target cells of oral exposure to environmentally contaminatedfoods and represent different cellular stages during colorectalcarcinogenesis. Colon cells were incubated with U-NTA. Cellsurvival, cytotoxicity, cellular glutathione (GSH) levels, genotoxicity,and DNA repair capacity (comet assay), as well as gene- andchromosome-specific damage combination of comet assay and fluorescencein situ hybridization [FISH], 24-color FISH) were determined.U-NTA inhibited growth of HT29 clone 19A cells (75–2000µM,72 h) and increased GSH (125–2000µM, 24 h). U-NTAwas genotoxic (1000µM, 30 min) but did not inhibit therepair of DNA damage caused by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), 4-hydroxynonenal,and 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]-pyridine.U-NTA was also genotoxic in LT97 cells and primary colon cells,where it additionally increased migration of TP53 into the comettail. In LT97 cells, 0.5–2mM U-NTA increased chromosomalaberrations in chromosomes 5, 12, and 17, which harbor the tumor-relatedgenes APC, KRAS, and TP53. It may be concluded that uraniumcompounds could increase alimentary genotoxic exposure in humansif they reach the food chain in sufficient amounts.     

小檗胺对高钾、去甲肾上腺素及咖啡因引起大鼠心肌细胞内钙动员的拮抗作用(英文)

目的:研究小檗胺(Ber)对氯化钾、NE及咖啡因引起大鼠培养心肌细胞[Ca~(2 )]_i动员的影响,方法:Fluo 3-AM负载后,共聚焦法测定心肌细胞[Ca~(2 )]_i荧光强度的变化。结果:Ber对心肌细胞静息[Ca~(2 )]_i水平无影响,但可剂量依赖性地抑制KCl60mmol·L~(-1)及NE 30 μmol·L~(-1)引起的内钙动员(P<0.01),此作用与维拉帕米相似.Egtazic acid3 mmol·L~(-1)并不能增强Ber对NE引起的[Ca~(2 )]_i升高的抑制作用,无外钙时,咖啡因80-160μmol·L~(-1)的[Ca~(2 )]_i动员不受Ber的影响(P>0.05),结论:Ber与维拉帕米相似,对大鼠心肌细胞靠电压依赖性和受体操纵性钙通道而升高的胞[Ca~(2 )]_i有拮抗作用,并不影响[Ca~(2 )]_i释放。     

S型与R型人参皂苷Rh2诱导人肺腺癌A549细胞凋亡的体外研究

目的探讨人参皂苷Rh2(S型与R型)能够诱导人肺腺癌A549细胞凋亡。方法采用MTT实验测定细胞增殖能力;台肦蓝染色法检测细胞存活率;碘化丙啶(PI)单染流式细胞仪分析细胞周期中各时期的细胞百分数;电镜观察细胞凋亡。结果 30μg/mL的S型和R型人参皂苷Rh2作用于A549细胞48h后,死亡率均明显高于正常组细胞(P<0.05);20(S)-Rh2能阻滞细胞周期于G1期,并且2(S)-Rh2型的抗肿瘤活性明显强于20(R)-Rh2;电镜结果显示染色质浓集、断裂,核固缩并出现凋亡小体。结论 S型和R型人参皂苷Rh2均具有促进A549细胞凋亡的生物学功能。     

苦参碱、青蒿素和粉防己碱对豚鼠心室肌细胞胞浆钙的影响

目的:比较苦参碱、青蒿素和粉防己碱对分离的豚鼠心室肌细胞胞浆钙的影响。方法:用酶解法急性分离的豚鼠心室肌细胞先用Fluo 3-AM负载,然后用激光扫描共聚焦法检测单个豚鼠心室肌细胞胞浆钙的荧光强度。结果:(1)KCl 60mmol·L~(-1)可升高心室肌细胞胞浆钙荧光强度,其荧光强度从299±19升高到1389±325(P<0.01)。(2)苦参碱和青蒿素在浓度为100μmol·L~(-1)可使KCl 60mmol·L~(-1)引起的外钙内流增多,其荧光强度分别从301±14和299±16升高到1495±320和1646±308(P<0.05)。(3)粉防己碱1、10及100μmol·L~(-1)和维拉帕米10μmol·L~(-1)可抑制KCl引起的外钙内流。(4)在正常细胞外液中,苦参碱1、10和100μmol·L~(-1)可使细胞内荧光强度增强,其荧光强度分别从303±27,300±32,296±19上升到441±96,504±112,643±126(P<0.05)。(5)在无钙细胞外液中,粉防己碱1和10μmol·L~(-1)可明显抑制咖啡因20mmol·L~(-1)引起的胞浆钙升高(P<0.05)。结论:苦参碱、青蒿素和粉防己碱对豚鼠心室肌细胞胞浆钙的影响不同。青蒿素和苦参碱可加强电压依赖性钙内流,而粉防己碱与维拉帕米作用相似,抑制这种钙内流。苦参碱本身可以促进外钙内流。     

Evidence for LHRH-Receptor Expression in Human Airway Epithelial (Calu-3) Cells and Its Role in the Transport of an LHRH Agonist

PURPOSE: To determine whether LHRH-receptor is expressed in Calu-3, a human bronchial epithelial cell line, and to further determine whether this receptor plays a role in the transport of deslorelin, an LHRH agonist. METHODS: Using cultured monolayers of Calu-3 grown at air-interface, the presence and localization of LHRH-receptors in Calu-3 cells was determined using immunochemical methods. To determine the mechanisms of deslorelin transport, the directionality [apical-basolateral (A-B) and basolateral-apical (B-A)] of deslorelin transport across Calu-3 monolayers and the effects of temperature (37 degrees C and 4 degrees C) and an energy depletor (2,4-dinitrophenol) were investigated. To determine the role of LHRH-receptor in deslorelin transport across Calu-3 monolayers, the influence of an LHRH-receptor antisense oligonucleotide on the LHRH-receptor expression and deslorelin transport was studied. Also, the effect of a competing LHRH agonist, buserelin, on deslorelin transport was determined. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence studies indicated the predominance of LHRH-receptor in Calu-3 cells at the apical and lateral surfaces. Western blot and RT-PCR studies further confirmed the expression of LHRH-receptor in Calu-3 cells. Deslorelin transport across Calu-3 monolayers was vectorial, with the cumulative A-B transport (1.79 +/- 0.29%) at the end of 240 min being higher than the B-A transport (0.34 +/- 0.11%). Low temperature as well as 2,4-dinitrophenol abolished this directionality. LHRH-receptor antisense oligonucleotide decreased the receptor expression at the mRNA and protein level and reduced the A-B deslorelin transport by 55 +/- 4%, without affecting the B-A transport, suggesting a role for LHRH-receptor in the vectorial transport of deslorelin. In addition, buserelin reduced the A-B deslorelin transport by 56 +/- 5% without affecting the B-A transport. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results provide evidence that deslorelin is transported across the respiratory epithelium via the LHRH-receptor.     

Distribution of Ca2+-activated K+ channel (SK2 and SK3) immunoreactivity in intestinal smooth muscles of the guinea-pig

1. The tissue distribution of small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (SK2 and SK3) was examined in three preparations of the guinea-pig intestine: the taneia caeci and the circular muscle layer of the stomach and proximal colon. 2. The SK3 immunoreactive (SK3-IR) cells were bi- or multipolar in appearance with numerous short processes, which formed an interconnecting network at the myenteric and submucous borders of the stomach and proximal colon. The SK3-IR cells were also present within the circular muscle layer of these preparations and throughout the taenia caeci. 3. Although SK3-IR cells had a similar distribution as cells immunoreactive for c-Kit (c-Kit-IR), the marker for interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), only 5-10% of c-Kit-IR ICC were also SK3-IR. 4. The SK3-IR cells were clearly ICC when examined with the electron microscope. Close associations of SK3-IR ICC (ICC-SK3) and nerves were often observed, as were gap junctions with SK3-negative ICC and smooth muscle cells. 5. Punctate SK2 and SK3 channel immunoreactivity was present on the plasmalemmal surface of all smooth muscle cells examined. 6. We conclude that ICC-SK3 are a subpopulation of ICC that are directly innervated by enteric inhibitory motor nerves.     

Characterizing the Expression of CYP3A4 and Efflux Transporters (P-gp,MRP1, and MRP2) in CYP3A4-Transfected Caco-2 Cells After Induction with Sodium Butyrate and the Phorbol Ester 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate

Purpose. To examine the changes in expression levels of CYP3A4 and efflux transporters in CYP3A4-transfected Caco-2 (colon carcinoma) cells in the presence of the inducers sodium butyrate (NaB) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). To characterize the transport of [³H]-digoxin and the metabolism of midazolam in the cells under different inducing conditions. Methods. CYP3A4-Caco-2 cells were seeded onto cell culture inserts and were grown for 13-14 days. Transport and metabolism studies were performed on cells induced with NaB and/or TPA for 24 h. The expression and localization of P-gp, MRP1, MRP2, and CYP3A4 were examined by Western blot and confocal microscopy. Results. In the presence of both inducers, CYP3A4 protein levels were increased 40-fold over uninduced cells, MRP2 expression was decreased by 90%, and P-gp and MRP1 expression were unchanged. Midazolam 1-OH formation exhibited a rank order correlation with increased CYP3A4 protein, whereas [³H]-digoxin transport (a measure of P-gp activity) was unchanged with induction. P-gp and MRP2 were found on the apical membrane, whereas MRP1 was found peri-nuclear within the cell. CYP3A4 displayed a punctate pattern of expression consistent with endoplasmic reticulum localization and exhibited preferential polarization towards the apical side of the cell. Conclusions. The present study characterized CYP3A4-Caco-2 cell monolayers when induced for 24 h in the presence of both NaB and TPA. These conditions provide intact cells with significant CYP3A4 and P-gp expression suitable for the concurrent study of transport and metabolism.     

The Antiviral Protein Human Lactoferrin Is Distributed in the Body to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection-Prone Cells and Tissues

Purpose. Lactoferrin has anti-Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and -HIV properties in vitro. However, the pharmacokinetic behavior of the 80-kD protein has not been well defined. We, therefore, assessed the plasma decay and body distribution of lactoferrin after intravenous administration to freely moving rats. Furthermore, the systemic availability of lactoferrin after intraperitoneal dosing was determined. Methods and Results. After intravenous injection, human lactoferrin (hLF) was rapidly cleared from the plasma, but higher doses resulted in prolonged plasma levels. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a pronounced distribution of hLF to endothelial cells in the liver whereas diffuse staining in hepatocytes indicated the presence of considerable amounts in this large cell population. This endothelial association, which also was found in other organ/tissues, including blood vessels, was confirmed by in vitro cell-binding studies. In addition, leukocytes in plasma that were infiltrated in various organs showed binding of hLF. A small fraction of hLF was transported into the lymphatic system. Western blot analysis revealed that hLF, present in the various organs, mainly consisted of an 80-kD protein. After intraperitoneal administration, small amounts of 80-kD hLF distributed to the general circulation. The bioavailability was 0.6% but increased to 3.6% after multiple administrations. Conclusions. The affinity of hLF for endothelial cells and leukocytes, and its penetration into the lymphatic system, indicates that this protein reaches target cells and body compartments that are crucial for CMV and HIV replication. The ability to reach the blood compartment after intraperitoneal dosing offers opportunities for parenteral administration of the protein in future studies on its antiviral effects in vivo.     

牛磺酸对H-2O_2引起的大鼠血管平滑肌细胞核[Ca~(2+)]及胞浆[Ca~(2+)]变化的影响

目的　毒性剂量H2 O2 可引起细胞坏死或凋亡 ,此过程是否与H2 O2 引起的核 [Ca2 +]([Ca2 +]n)变化有关未见报导。本文研究牛磺酸对H2 O2 引起的血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC) [Ca2 +]n 与胞浆 [Ca2 +]([Ca2 +]c)的变化影响。方法　应用激光共聚焦显微镜对负载Fluo 3的培养大鼠VSMC的 [Ca2 +]n 及 [Ca2 +]c 变化进行研究。结果　在0 5 %H2 O2 作用下 ,[Ca2 +]n 与 [Ca2 +]c 持续升高 ,用抗氧化细胞保护剂 牛磺酸 2 0mmol·L-1预处理细胞 ,可降低H2 O2 引起的 [Ca2 +]n升幅 (P <0 0 5 ) ,但不影响 [Ca2 +]c 升幅 (P >0 0 5 ) ,表明 [Ca2 +]n 变化与 [Ca2 +]c 变化对牛磺酸反应性存在差异。结论　VSMC的核Ca2 +调控与胞浆Ca2 +调控各自具有一定的独立性。牛磺酸对H2 O2 引起的大鼠VSMC核Ca2 +的变化具有保护作用     

Behavioral effects of caffeine, (-)N-((R)-1-methyl-2-phenylethyl)-adenosine (PIA), and their combination in the mouse

The effects of caffeine (1–100 mg/kg, IP), (-)N-((R)-1-methyl-2-phenylethyl)-adenosine (PIA) (0.01–1 mg/kg, IP), and of the two drugs in combination were studied in mice responding under a mult FR30 FI600 s schedule of food presentation. The lowest dose of caffeine, 1 mg/kg, had no effect on responding under either component of the mult schedule. Intermediate doses of caffeine (3 and 10 mg/kg) slightly increased responding under the FI component, while higher doses decreased responding. Caffeine only decreased responding, at doses above 30 mg/kg, under the FR component. PIA decreased responding under both components of the mult schedule in a dose-dependent, and similar, manner. In most cases, the rate-increasing effect of caffeine on FI responding was diminished when combined with a rate-decreasing dose of PIA. However, when 0.01 mg/kg PIA, a dose that had no effect alone, was combined with 3 mg/kg caffeine, the increase in rate exceeded that of caffeine alone. Rate-deceasing effects of PIA were antagonized by caffeine; with larger doses of PIA, larger doses of caffeine were required for antagonism. Thus, while the rate-increasing effects of caffeine can be either enhanced or diminished, when combined with different doses of PIA, the rate-decreasing effects of PIA are clearly antagonized by caffeine in a dose-dependent manner.     

The intracellular activation of lamivudine (3TC) and determination of 2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate (dCTP) pools in the presence and absence of various drugs in HepG2 cells

AIMS: Lamivudine (3TC, 2'-deoxy-3'-thiacytidine) requires intracellular metabolism to its active 5'-triphosphate, 3TC-5'-triphosphate (3TCTP), to inhibit the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV). We have investigated the activation of 3TC, in the presence and absence of a range of compounds, in HepG2 cells. The intracellular levels of the endogenous competitor of 3TCTP, 2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate (dCTP), were also determined and 3TCTP/dCTP ratios calculated. METHODS: The effects of a number of compounds on 3TC (3H; 1 microM) phosphorylation were investigated by radiometric h.p.l.c. dCTP levels were determined using a template primer extension assay. 3TCTP/dCTP ratios were calculated from these results. RESULTS: The phosphorylation of 3TC was significantly increased in the presence of either hydroxyurea (HU), methotrexate (MTX), or fludarabine (FLU). For example, at 100 microM HU, control 3TCTP levels were increased to 361% of control, whereas at 100 microM FLU, control 3TCTP levels were increased to 155%. dCTP pools were significantly reduced in the presence of HU and FLU, at 100 microM concentrations only. However, for all the above three compounds investigated, the ratio of 3TCTP/dCTP was favourably enhanced (e.g. at 1 microM MTX, 255% of control). Neither ganciclovir (GCV), lobucavir (LCV), penciclovir (PCV), adefovir dipivoxil (ADV), nor foscarnet (FOS) had any significant effects on 3TC phosphorylation or dCTP pools. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the activity of 3TC may be potentiated when combined with one of the modulators studied. The lack of an interaction between 3TC and the other anti-HBV agents is reassuring. These in vitro studies can be used as an initial screen to examine potential interactions at the phosphorylation level.     

Characterization of the Regional Intestinal Kinetics of Drug Efflux in Rat and Human Intestine and in Caco-2 Cells

Purpose. The aim of the present study was to investigate the transport kinetics of intestinal secretory processes in the jejunum, ileum and colon of rats and humans and in Caco-2 cells, in vitro. Methods. Etoposide, vinblastine sulphate and verapamil hydrochloride were chosen as model substrates since they have been reported to undergo efflux in various other tissues. The concentration dependence, inhibition, directionality, temperature dependence, proton/sodium dependence, and ATP dependence of efflux were studied using side-by-side diffusion chambers and brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs). Intestinal tissue from rats and humans and Caco-2 cells (passage no. 26) were used. Directional steady state effective permeabilities were calculated from drug appearance in the apical (AP) or basolateral (BL) chambers. Kinetic studies were carried out by investigating substrate efflux at concentrations ranging from 0.2 M to 1000 M. Since substrate efflux may be a result of more than one transporter, the hybrid efflux Km (Michaelis-constant), Pc (carrier-mediated permeability), and Pm (passive permeability) were determined as a function of intestinal region. Inhibitor studies were performed using quinidine (0.2 mM), a mixed inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein (MRP), and Leukotriene C₄(100 nM), an inhibitor of MRP and the canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (cMOAT). Temperature dependent efflux was determined by investigating the BL to AP transport at temperatures ranging from 3°C to 37°C. Energies of activation (Ea) were determined from an Arrhenius analysis. Sodium, proton, and ATP dependence were determined using BBMVs. Immunoquantitation of Pgp, MRP and Lung Resistance Protein (LRP) in Caco-2 cells were carried out using Western blot analysis. Results. Active efflux of all substrates was observed in all regions of rat and human intestine and in Caco-2 cells. Directionality was observed with BL to AP transport exceeding AP to BL transport. The BL to AP/AP to BL permeability ratio, the efflux ratio, ranged from 1.4 to 19.8. Heal efflux was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in other regions. Kinetic studies revealed that hybrid efflux Km values ranged from 4 to 350 M. In some cases, efflux was not saturable due to the solubility limits of the compounds utilized in this study. In presence of inhibitors, efflux ratios approached 1. BL to AP transport was temperature dependent in rat ileum for all substrates. Ea of intestinal efflux was found to be 11.6, 8.3, and 15.8 kcal/mole for etoposide, vinblastine and verapamil, respectively, suggesting an active, energy-dependent efflux mechanism. Substrate efflux was not sodium or proton dependent but was dependent on ATP. Using Western blot analysis the presence of Pgp, MRP, and LRP was demonstrated in Caco-2 cells and the amount of each transport protein varied as a function of passage number. Conclusions. Using multiple putative efflux substrates, the current results demonstrate that intestinal efflux was regionally dependent, mediated by multiple efflux transporters, the Kms were in the micro-molar range, and involved an energy dependent mechanism(s).     

四氯二苯二氧芑对人舌鳞癌细胞增生机制的研究

应用人舌鳞癌细胞株SCC-15G和SCC-25,通过单层细胞生长的细胞数和~3H-TdR掺入DNA的观察,进一步阐明了2,3,7,8-四氯二苯二氧(艹己)(TCDD)诱导刺激上皮细胞增生是由于降低了高密度生长抑制的敏感性引起的。SCC-15G细胞可作为研究TCDD对上皮细胞作用机制的理想模型。SCC-25细胞对TCDD反应较弱且不稳定,不宜用于研究上皮细胞增生机制。