Comparison of four basic models of indirect pharmacodynamic responses

Four basic models for characterizing indirect pharmacodynamic responses after drug administration have been developed and compared. The models are based on drug effects (inhibition or stimulation) on the factors controlling either the input or the dissipation of drug response. Pharmacokinetic parameters of methylprednisolone were used to generate plasma concentration and response-time profiles using computer simulations. It was found that the responses produced showed a slow onset and a slow return to baseline. The time of maximal response was dependent on the model and dose. In each case, hysteresis plots showed that drug concentrations preceded the response. When the responses were fitted with pharmacodynamic models based on distribution to a hypothetical effect compartment, the resulting parameters were dose-dependent and inferred biological implausibility. Indirect response models must be treated as distinct from conventional pharmacodynamic models which assume direct action of drugs. The assumptions, equations, and data patterns for the four basic indirect response models provide a starting point for evaluation of pharmacologie effects where the site of action precedes or follows the measured response variable.Glossary C _e Drug concentration at the hypothetical effect site - C _p Plasma concentration of drug - C _p(T_max) Plasma concentration of drug at the time of maximal response - D Dose - EC ₅₀ Drug concentration producing 50% of maximum stimulation at effect site - E _max Maximum effect attributed to drug - E _o Baseline effect prior to drug administration - IC ₅₀ Drug concentration producing 50% of maximum inhibition at effect site - K _el First-order rate constant for drug elimination - K _eo First-order rate constant for drug loss from effect site - K _in Zero-order rate constant for production of drug response - K _out First-order rate constant for loss of drug response - n Sigmoidicity factor of the sigmoid E_max equation - R Response variable - R_max Maximal (or minimal) response - R_o Initial response (time zero) prior to drug administration - t time after drug administration - T Infusion time - T_max Time to reach maximum effect following drug administration - V Volume of distribution Supported in part by Grant No. 24211 from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health.     

Simplified methods for the evaluation of the parameters of the time course of plasma concentration in the one-compartment body model with first-order invasion and first-order drug elimination including methods for ascertaining when such rate constants are equal

The many limitations in determining the pharmacokinetic parameters of firstorder invasion of, and elimination from, the onecompartment body model by the method of residuals or by feathering Ct data can be minimized by applying the simplified methods outlined herein. Comparisons of the apparent volumes of distribution, V, calculated on the premises that the Bateman Function represents k_a>k_e or its converse, k_e>k_a,i.e., flip-flop, can permit a proper choice of the correct version. Estimation of k_e can be obtained by regression of (A₀/V)/C(oncentration) on AUC₁/ Cwhere A₀/Vis estimable from knowledge of C_max and t_max since .The ratio of the magnitude of the rate constant of invasion to that of elimination, m=k_a/k_e,is related to k_et_max by the expression k_et_max=ln m/ (m–1)for all possible values of m.A table for the determination of m from values of k_et_max is given. When bioavailability, =A₀/Dose,is known or complete, k_e and Vcan be determined from the respective ordinate and abscissa of the intersection of and Cl(clearance)/k_e,both plotted against arbitrary k_e values. The two functions may not intersect at low values of mdue to errored C-t values but the k_e value when the two curves are closest (k_min)may approximate k_e.The intersections of and k_eAUCT (AUC_trap)plotted against variable k_e values (Method A) provide estimates of k_e from their abscissa values and A/Vfrom their ordinate values when is unknown. Method B appears to give more reliable estimates of k_e at the k_min of the difference plotted against k_e.Since k_min of this plot is 1/t_max when m=1,the identity of the mas unity underlying the C-t data is indicated when either k_mint_max is approximately unity or k_min ispractically synonymous with 1/t_max.This was clearly shown when 12 constructed m=1,C-t cases with 10% random error were evaluated by Method B. Better estimates were effected by all procedures when the raw C-t data were smoothed.We regretfully announce that Dr. Edward Garrett passed away on October 25, 1993, after an extended illness.     

Bayesian design criteria: Computation,comparison, and application to a pharmacokinetic and a pharmacodynamic model

In this paper 3 criteria to design experiments for Bayesian estimation of the parameters of nonlinear models with respect to their parameters, when a prior distribution is available, are presented: the determinant of the Bayesian information matrix, the determinant of the preposterior covariance matrix, and the expected information provided by an experiment. A procedure to simplify the computation of these criteria is proposed in the case of continuous prior distributions and is compared with the criterion obtained from a linearization of the model about the mean of the prior distribution for the parameters. This procedure is applied to two models commonly encountered in the area of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: the one-compartment open model with bolus intravenous single-dose injection and theE _max model. They both involve two parameters. Additive as well as multiplicative gaussian measurement errors are considered with normal prior distributions. Various combinations of the variances of the prior distribution and of the measurement error are studied. Our attention is restricted to designs with limited numbers of measurements (1 or 2 measurements). This situation often occurs in practice when Bayesian estimation is performed. The optimal Bayesian designs that result vary with the variances of the parameter distribution and with the measurement error. The two-point optimal designs sometimes differ from the D-optimal designs for the mean of the prior distribution and may consist of replicating measurements. For the studied cases, the determinant of the Bayesian information matrix and its linearized form lead to the same optimal designs. In some cases, the pre-posterior covariance matrix can be far from its lower bound, namely, the inverse of the Bayesian information matrix, especially for theE _max model and a multiplicative measurement error. The expected information provided by the experiment and the determinant of the pre-posterior covariance matrix generally lead to the same designs except for theE _max model and the multiplicative measurement error. Results show that these criteria can be easily computed and that they could be incorporated in modules for designing experiments.     

VKORC1-3673G>A、CYP2C9*3、CYP4F2 rs2108622和CYP2C19*2基因多态性对中国汉族房颤患者华法林维持剂量的影响

目的 探讨VKORC1-3673G>A、CYP2C9^*3、CYP4F2 rs2108622和CYP2C19^*2位点基因多态性对中国汉族房颤患者华法林维持剂量的影响。方法 收集107例服用华法林达维持剂量的汉族房颤患者的血样和临床相关资料,应用PCR-RFLP法检测VKORC1-3673G>A、CYP2C9^*3、CYP4F2 rs2108622和CYP2C19^*2基因型,采用独立样本t检验分析基因型与华法林维持剂量的相关性。多元线性回归建立给药模型,探讨基因多态性对华法林维持剂量的影响。结果 VKORC1-3673G>A、CYP2C9^*3、CYP4F2 rs2108622基因多态性和患者年龄、体质量能解释45.2%的华法林维持剂量差异。CYP2C19^*2基因多态性对本研究人群华法林维持剂量无影响。结论 VKORC1-3673G>A、CYP2C9^*3、CYP4F2 rs2108622基因多态性显著影响中国汉族房颤患者的华法林维持剂量。     

Application of a Combined “Effect Compartment/Indirect Response Model” to the Central Nervous System Effects of Tiagabine in the Rat

Pharmacological inhibition of GABA uptake transporters provides a mechanism for increasing GABAergic transmission, which may be useful in the treatment of various neurological disorders. The purpose of our investigations was to develop an integrated pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model for the characterization of the pharmacological effect of tiagabine, R-N-(4,4-di-(3-methylthien-2-yl)but-3-enyl)nipecotic acid, in individual rats in vivo. The tiagabine-induced increase in the amplitude of the EEG 11.5–30 Hz frequency band (), was used as pharmacodynamic endpoint. Chronically instrumented male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to four groups which received an infusion of 3, 10, or 30 mg kg ^–1 ml min ^-1 kg^–1, 1.50.1 L kg^–1 and 200.2 min.A time delay was observed between the occurrence of maximum plasma drug concentrations and maximal response. A physiological PK/PD model has been used to account for this time delay, in which a biophase was postulated to account for tiagabine available to the GABA uptake carriers in the synaptic cleft and the increase in EEG effect was considered an indirect response due to inhibition of GABA uptake carriers. The population values for the pharmacodynamic parameters characterizing the delay in pharmacological response relative to plasma concentrations were k_eo=0.030 min ^–1 and k_out=81 min^–1, respectively. Because of the large difference in these values the PK/PD model was simplified to the effect compartment model. Population estimates were E₀=155 6 V, E_max=100 5 V, EC₅₀=287 7 ng ml^–1, Hill factor=1.8 0.2 and k_eo=0.030 0.002 min ^–1. The results of this analysis show that for tiagabine the combined effect compartment-indirect response model can be simplified to the classical effect compartment model.     

Dehydration Kinetics of Prostaglandin E1 in a Lipid Emulsion

The overall dehydration kinetics of prostaglandin E_l (PGE₁) in a lipid emulsion at 35°C were found to fit a model whereby the k _apparent measured at each pH is simply the sum of the product of the fraction of the PGE₁ at the interface,f _i, and the rate constant at the interface, k _i, plus the product of the fraction of the PGE₁ in the aqueous phase,f _aq, and the rate constant in the aqueous phase, k _aq. The values for f _i and f _aq were reported earlier as a function of pH at 35°C. The k _aq and k _apparent were experimentally determined as a function of pH at 35°C. The k _i was indirectly determined from the stability data in the emulsion. Microscopic rate constants for dehydration of PGE₁ in the aqueous phase and interface at 35°C were estimated from the experimental data. Based on the kinetic evaluation performed, it appears that the dehydration kinetics might be manipulated by the addition of charged surface active agents.     

Lipopolyamine-Mediated Single Nanoparticle Formation of Calf Thymus DNA Analyzed by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

Purpose The aim of this study is to analyze linear calf thymus DNA (ct DNA) nanoparticle formation with N⁴,N⁹-dioleoylspermine and N¹-cholesteryl spermine carbamate. Methods Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) was used to determine the quality of ct DNA condensed by lipopolyamines. ct DNA was prelabeled with PicoGreen (PG) to allow fluorescence intensity fluctuation measurement and analysis. Results N⁴,N⁹-Dioleoylspermine efficiently condensed ct DNA into point-like molecules with diffusion coefficient (D) = 1.8 × 10⁻¹² m²/s and particle number (PN) = 0.7 [at ammonium/phosphate (N/P) charge ratio=1.0–1.5]. The determined PN values are close to the theoretical value of 0.6, providing evidence that the DNA conformation has been fully transformed, and thus a single nanoparticle has been detected. N¹-Cholesteryl spermine carbamate showed (slightly) poorer DNA condensation efficiency, even at higher N/P ratios (N/P = 1.5–2.5) with D = 1.3 × 10⁻¹² m²/s and PN value of 5.2. N⁴,N⁹-Dioleoylspermine is a more efficient DNA-condensing agent than N¹-cholesteryl spermine carbamate. Conclusions FCS measurement using PG as the probe is a novel analytical method to detect single nanoparticles of condensed DNA in nonviral gene therapy formulation studies.     

多色探针熔解曲线法在卡马西平不良反应相关基因检测中的临床评价

目的 对多色探针熔解曲线法（multicolor melting curve analysis,MMCA）用于卡马西平不良反应相关的HLA-B^*15：02基因检测进行临床评价。方法 收集厦门市中心血站1 147份厦门地区无偿献血者的外周静脉血样本,经基因DNA提取后,按双盲对照试验,分别应用MMCA法和HLA-SBT测序法对各样本进行HLA-B^*15：02基因检测,比较2种检测方法的符合率。对于检测结果不一致的标本,采用第三方Sanger测序和电泳验证,计算总符合率。结果 采用MMCA法共检出77份HLA-B^*15：02阳性标本,1 070份HLA-B^*15：02阴性标本。采用HLA-SBT测序法共检出74份HLA-B^*15：02阳性标本,1 070份HLA-B^*15：02阴性标本,以及3份无明确的分型信息的标本（仅显示为B^*15：VG-B^*15：CYS型）。该3份标本经Sanger测序以及电泳验证,确认为HLA-B^*15：02阳性标本。因此,MMCA法检测HLA-B^*15：02基因的阳性检出率为100%（77/77）,阴性检出率为100%（1 070/1 070）,总符合率为100%（1 147/1 147）。此外,在1 147份临床标本中共检出77份阳性结果,HLA-B^*15：02的携带率为6.7%（77/1147）,这与文献报道的数据基本一致。结论 MMCA法用于HLA-B^*15：02基因的检测,具有简便、快速、灵敏度高、特异性强等优点,可应用于卡马西平不良反应相关的HLA-B^*15：02基因的临床辅助检测。     

Calcium-antagonizing activity of S-petasin, a hypotensive sesquiterpene from Petasites formosanus, on inotropic and chronotropic responses in isolated rat atria and cardiac myocytes

Petasites formosanus, an indigenous species of Petasites, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension for years. We have suggested recently that S-petasin, a major sesquiterpene from P. formosanus, inhibits vascular smooth muscle contraction through inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, a phenomenon possibly responsible for the hypotensive effect of P. formosanus. This study was designed to examine the chronotropic and inotropic actions of S-petasin in the heart in vivo and in vitro. Administration of S-petasin (0.1–1.5 mg/kg i.v.) in anesthetized rats reduced heart rate dose-dependently. This response was consistent with significant suppression of both contractile amplitude and spontaneous firing rate of isolated atria, responses that were not antagonized by atropine (1 µM). Mechanical evaluation in isolated ventricular myocytes showed that S-petasin (0.1 to 100 µM) depressed peak myocyte contraction and intracellular Ca²⁺ transients concentration-dependently. The duration of myocyte contraction was not affected. Whole-cell voltage clamp analysis revealed that S-petasin inhibited the L-type Ca²⁺ current (I_Ca,L) concentration-dependently and shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of I_Ca,L to more negative potentials. However, a receptor-binding assay failed to identify any significant interaction between S-petasin (0.1–300 µM) and the dihydropyridine binding sites of L-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels. Taken together, these data show that the negative chronotropic and inotropic properties of S-petasin that can be ascribed mainly to I_Ca,L inhibition, but not to blockade of dihydropyridine binding sites of L-type Ca²⁺ channel or to muscarinic receptor activation.     

Unique approach for calculation of first-order absorption rate constants from blood or urine data

Several methods are employed to estimate an apparent first-order rate constant for absorption in a one-compartment model. A method for calculation of the absorption rate constant (K _a )has been derived based on the area under the concentration-time curve for blood data or the area under the excretion rate-time curve for urine data between the observed time of maximum concentration or rate (t _max )and the maximum concentration (C _max )or maximum rate of excretion (X _umax ).The method obviates the need for large numbers of samples in the absorptive phase. The method also avoids extensive calculations and is less influenced by errors in data points prior to C_max or X_{u max},where the rate of change is rapid and error is likely. The methods have been tested on theoretical data with and without error generated using a range of values for K_a and elimination rate constants (K _E ).Errors in the estimate of K_a are proportional to error in the data. The method compares favorably with nonlinear regression analysis.     

A novel compound N,N-(Z)-N-(E)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine isolated from Carthamus tinctorius L. and acting by serotonin transporter inhibition

Safflower, the dry flower of Carthamus tinctorius L., has long been applied for empirically treating cerebral ischemia and depression in traditional Chinese medicine. Pathogenesis of major depression involves monoaminergic transmission. The present study assessed whether safflower or its isolate would be effective in functionally regulating monoamine transporter using in vitro screening cell lines. We discovered that safflower insoluble fraction significantly inhibited serotonin uptake in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing serotonin transporter (i.e. S6 cells). This fraction went through an activity-guided isolation and an active ingredient was obtained, which was subsequently elucidated as a novel coumaroylspermidine analog N¹,N⁵-(Z)-N¹⁰-(E)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine using NMR techniques. Pharmacologically, this compound potently and selectively inhibited serotonin uptake in S6 cells or in synaptosomes, with IC₅₀ of 0.74 ± 0.15 µM for S6 cells or 1.07 ± 0.23 µM for synaptosomes and with a reversible competitive property for the 5HT-uptake inhibition. The potency of it for 5HT uptake was weaker than that of fluoxetine whereas efficacy generally similar for both. Animals treated with this testing compound showed a significant decrease in synaptosomal 5HT uptake capacity. Thus, N¹,N⁵-(Z)-N¹⁰-(E)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine is a novel serotonin transporter inhibitor, which could improve neuropsychological disorders through regulating serotoninergic transmission.     

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of N-[5-chlorobenzylthio-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl] piperazinyl quinolone derivatives

A series ofN-[5-(chlorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl] piperazinyl quinolone derivatives (4a-1) have been synthesized by reaction of piperazinyl quinolones with 5-chloro-2-(chloroben-zylthio)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles. Their structures were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectra. The antibacterial activities of4a-1 against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were determined. Several compounds showed a good antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria among which, compound 4e with a 2-chlorobenzylthio moiety in ciprofloxacin derivative, exhibited high activities againstStaphylococcus aureus andStaphylococcus epidermidis (MIC=0.06 μg/mL). The structure-activity relationship (SAR) study revealed that the position of chlorine atom on benzyl moiety would dramatically affect the antibacterial activities of the synthesized compounds.     

Varying the Unsaturation in N 4,N 9-Dioctadecanoyl Spermines: Nonviral Lipopolyamine Vectors for More Efficient Plasmid DNA Formulation

Purpose The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of varying the degree of unsaturation in synthesized N⁴,N⁹-dioctadecanoyl spermines on DNA condensation and then to compare their transfection efficiency in cell culture. Methods The N⁴,N⁹-di-C18 lipopolyamines—saturated (stearoyl), C9-cis- (oleoyl), and C9,12-di-cis- (linoleoyl)—were synthesized from the naturally occurring polyamine spermine. The ability of these novel compounds to condense DNA and form nanoparticles was studied using ethidium bromide fluorescence quenching and nanoparticle characterization techniques. Transfection efficiency was studied in several primary skin cells (FEK4, FCP4, FCP5, FCP7, and FCP8) and in an immortalized cancer cell line (HtTA) and was compared with the commercially available nonliposomal transfection formulation Transfectam^? (dioctadecylamidoglycyl spermine), which also contains two saturated C18 lipid chains. Results N⁴,N⁹-Dilinoleoyl spermine (C18, di-cis-9,12) is efficient at circular plasmid DNA (pEGFP) condensation and gives the most effective transfection in a series of primary skin cells and cancer cell lines at low charge ratios of 5.5 (± ammonium/phosphate). Conclusions The dienoic fatty acyl spermine conjugate N⁴,N⁹-dilinoleoyl spermine efficiently condenses DNA and achieves the highest transfection levels among the studied lipopolyamines in cultured cells.     

Temporal linear mode complexity as a surrogate measure of the effect of remifentanil on the central nervous system in healthy volunteers

AIMS

Previously, electroencephalographic approximate entropy (ApEn) effectively described both depression of central nervous system (CNS) activity and rebound during and after remifentanil infusion. ApEn is heavily dependent on the record length. Linear mode complexity, which is algorithmatically independent of the record length, was investigated to characterize the effect of remifentanil on the CNS using the combined effect and tolerance, feedback and sigmoid E_max models.

METHODS

The remifentanil blood concentrations and electroencephalographic data obtained in our previous study were used. With the recording of the electroencephalogram, remifentanil was infused at a rate of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 µg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ for 15–20 min. The areas below (AUC_effect) or above (AAC_rebound) the effect vs. time curve of temporal linear mode complexity (TLMC) and ApEn were calculated to quantitate the decrease of the CNS activity and rebound. The coefficients of variation (CV) of median baseline (E₀), maximal (E_max), and individual median E₀ minus E_maxvalues of TLMC were compared with those of ApEn. The concentration–TLMC relationship was characterized by population analysis using non-linear mixed effects modelling.

RESULTS

Median AUC_effectand AAC_reboundwere 1016 and 5.3 (TLMC), 787 and 4.5 (ApEn). The CVs of individual median E₀ minus E_max were 35.6, 32.5% (TLMC, ApEn). The combined effect and tolerance model demonstrated the lowest Akaike information criteria value and the highest positive predictive value of rebound in tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined effect and tolerance model effectively characterized the time course of TLMC as a surrogate measure of the effect of remifentanil on the CNS.     

Metabolism and hepatotoxicity of N,N-dimethylformamide,N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylformamide,and N-methylformamide in the rat

The metabolism and hepatotoxicity ofN,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and two of its metabolites,N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylformamide (HMMF) andN-methylformamide (NMF) were evaluated over a 4-day period in rats. DMF toxicity was dose dependent and delayed toxicity after the administration of a high DMF dose (13.7 mmol/kg) in comparison to a lower dose (4.1 mmol/kg) was observed. Treatment of rats with 13.7 mmol/kg DMF, HMMF, or NMF showed i) that DMF is more toxic than HMMF or NMR, and ii) that hepatotoxicity occurs later for DMF than for HMMF or NMF. Analysis of serum and urine samples demonstrated that DMF is first metabolized to HMMF, which is then partially converted to NMF. After HMMF administration, NMF was found both in serum and in urine. The time course of DMF and HMMF toxicity in relation to NMF formation fitted the hypothesis that the hepatotoxicity of DMF and HMMF is mediated via NMF. The degree of hepatotoxicity after HMMF and NMF treatment is similar. However, the degree of DMF hepatotoxicity is much higher than in the case of NMF or HMMF. The role of NMF as an obligatory intermediate in DMF and HMMF hepatotoxicity is discussed.     

山莨菪碱对乙酰胆碱和去甲肾上腺素引起的兔虹膜释放前列腺素的影响

本文研究了654-2对Ach及NE引起的兔虹膜释放PGE₂及6-keto-PGF_1α作用的影响。Ach及NE使虹膜释放PGs增加,654-2对Ach释放PGs的作用呈剂量依赖性抑制,当654-2浓度为3×10^-5mol/L时,Ach(5x10^-5mol/L)引起的PGE₂及6-keto-PGF_1α的释放量分别降低31%及30%。654-2浓度高于6x10^-5mol/L时显著抑制NE(5x10^-5mol/L)释放虹膜PGs的作用,当654-2浓度为3x10^-4mol/L时,使NE增加虹膜释放PGE:及6-keto-PGF_1α的量分别从62%及34%降至7.5%及4%(p<0.01)。654-2抑制PGs释放对其抗感染性休克等作用可能是有利的。     

Re-investigation of the concordance of human NAT2 phenotypes and genotypes

A comparative study of N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) genotyping and phenotyping (caffeine test method) was performed on 211 persons to elucidate apparent discrepancies in the assignment of NAT2*12 and NAT2*13 alleles which occur in the literature. The study used the standard procedures of genotyping (two PCR runs and application of seven restriction enzymes) and phenotyping (determination of the two caffeine metabolites 5-acetylamino-6-formylamino-3-methyluracil (AFMU) and 1-methylxanthine (1X)), as documented in detail and validated by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. The data were consistent with an AFMU/1X molar ratio of 0.85 as cut-off point (antimode) between phenotypically slow and rapid acetylators. Under this provision, several R/S allele combinations did not comply, either fully or partly, with their associated phenotypes. In particular, there was a wide phenotypic overlap of the alleged rapid allele combination groups (i) NAT2*12A/*5A; NAT2*12C/*5D; NAT2*4/*5B, (ii) NAT2*13/*6B; NAT2*4/*6A, and (iii) NAT2*13/*7A; NAT2*4/*7B. These groups obviously contained both phenotypically rapid and slow acetylators. If one assumes that the presence of one wild type allele NAT2*4 defines a rapid acetylator the assignment of the alleles NAT2*12A, NAT2*12C, and NAT*13 as determinants of a rapid acetylator phenotype must be questioned. This refers in particular to the nucleotide changes A⁸⁰³G (NAT2*12A, NAT2*12C) and C²⁸²T (NAT2*13). Based on discussions in the literature and the data presented here, there is accumulating evidence that current assignments of the NAT2*12 and NAT2*13 alleles as determinants of a rapid acetylator state should be reconsidered.     

Atomoxetine occupies the norepinephrine transporter in a dose-dependent fashion: a PET study in nonhuman primate brain using (S,S)-[18F]FMeNER-D2

Rationale Atomoxetine is a potent and selective norepinephrine transporter (NET) reuptake inhibitor acting as a nonstimulant for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previous positron emission tomography (PET) studies had failed to demonstrate the feasibility of measuring a dose-dependent and saturable NET occupancy in human brain using [¹¹C]MeNER.Objectives To determine if atomoxetine occupies NET in a dose-dependent fashion using (S,S)-[¹⁸F]FMeNER-D₂ in nonhuman primate brain.Methods A total of eight PET measurements were performed in two cynomolgus monkeys. Each monkey was examined four times with PET: under baseline conditions and after steady-state infusion with 0.03, 0.06, or 0.12 mg/kg/h of atomoxetine. A prolonged intravenous (i.v.) infusion design was developed rather than an i.v. bolus to better mimic an oral absorption profile and to reach plasma steady state.Results During baseline conditions, (S,S)-[¹⁸F]FMeNER-D₂ uptake was highest in the locus coeruleus, thalamus, mesencephalon, and the cingulate gyrus, whereas the radioactivity in the caudate was low. Peak equilibrium measurements were achieved using (S,S)-[¹⁸F]FMeNER-D₂ in contrast to the previously reported data for [¹¹C]MeNER. After administration of atomoxetine, a dose-dependent occupancy from 38 to 82% was observed for various brain regions known to contain high densities of NET.Conclusions This is the first in vivo PET study to successfully demonstrate the ability to measure a dose-dependent change in NET occupancy in brain using (S,S)-[¹⁸F]FMeNER-D₂. Furthermore, an asymptotic relationship between N-desmethylatomoxetine plasma concentration and NET occupancy was established. In total, these data encourage further PET studies using (S,S)-[¹⁸F]FMeNER-D₂ in humans.     

Comparison of A1 adenosine receptors in brain from different species by radioligand binding and photoaffinity labelling

Summary Radioligand binding to A₁ adenosine receptors at brain membranes from seven species was investigated. The antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-[³H]dipropyl-xanthine ([³H]DPCPX) bound with affinities between 0.17 nM in sheep brain and 2.1 nM in guinea pig brain. Competition of several antagonists for [³H]DPCPX binding showed that the most potent compounds were DPCPX with K _i values of 0.05 nM in bovine brain and 1.1 nM in guinea pig brain and xanthine amine congener (XAC) with K _i values of 0.03 nM in bovine brain and 5.5 nM in guinea pig brain. The differences in affinity of the agonist radioligand 2-chloro-N ⁶-[³H]cyclopentyl-adenosine ([³H]CCPA) were less pronounced, ranging from a K _D value of 0.12 nM (hamster brain) to 0.42 nM (guinea pig brain). Agonist competition for [³H]DPCPX binding of photoaffinity labelling, however, exhibited marked species differences. N-Ethylcarboxamidoa-denosine (NECA) and S-N ⁶-phenylisopropyladenosine (S-PIA) showed 20 to 25-fold different K _D values in different species. NECA had a particularly high affinity in guinea pig brain and was only two-fold less potent than R-PIA. Thus, the difference from the classical A₁ receptor profile (R-PIA > -NECA > S-PIA) is not sufficient to speculate that A₁ receptor subtypes may exist that are coupled to different effector systems. Our data show that these difference can easily be explained by species differences.     

Prostaglandin E2 differentiates between two forms of glucose transport inhibition by lipolytic agents

Summary The inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose transport by lipolytic agents was studied in isolated rat adipose cells. Two different mechanisms for the inhibition of glucose transport by lipolytic hormones and agents were distinguished by use of the antilipolytic agent prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). The inhibition of glucose transport induced by lipolytic hormones such as glucagon, catecholamines or ACTH in the presence of adenosine deaminase was antagonized by PGE₂. In contrast, inhibition of hexose transport by alkylxanthines was only partially (20–30%) attenuated by PGE₂, although the eicosanoid had antagonized cyclic AMP accumulation and stimulation of lipolysis in response to all tested lipolytic agents. The inhibition of glucose transport by IBMX was immediate, whereas the lipolytic hormones (isoprenaline and ACTH) exhibited a latency of 2–3 min. In addition, the inhibition induced by the lypolytic hormones disappeared after cooling of the cells to 22°C, at which temperature IBMX was still inhibitory. Thus, the PGE₂-sensitive component of the effect of lipolytic agents on glucose transport appears to be mediated by adenylate cyclase or its subunits N _s/N _i. The PGE₂-insensitive effect of alkylxanthines probably reflects a direct interaction of the agents with a regulatory site at the transporter or a related protein. Send offprint requests to H. J. Steinfelder at the above address