Interaction of estrone and estradiol with DNA and protein of liver and kidney in rat and hamster in vivo and in vitro

[6,7-³H] Estrone (E) and [6,7-³H]estradiol-17 (E₂) have been synthesized by reduction of 6-dehydroestrone and 6-dehydroestradiol with tritium gas. Tritiated E and E₂ were administered by oral gavage to female rats and to male and female hamsters on a dose level of about 300 g/kg (54 mCi/kg). After 8 h, the liver was excised from the rats; liver and kidneys were taken from the hamsters. DNA was purified either directly from an organ homogenate or via chromatin. The radioactivity in the DNA was expressed in the units of the Covalent Binding Index, CBI = (mol chemical bound per mol DNA-P)/(mmol chemical administered per kg b.w.). Rat liver DNA isolated via chromatin exhibited the very low values of 0.08 and 0.09 for E and E₂, respectively. The respective figures in hamster liver were 0.08 and 0.11 in females and 0.21 and 0.18 in the males. DNA isolated from the kidney revealed a detectable radioactivity only in the female, with values of 0.03 and 0.05 for E and E₂, respectively. The values for male hamster kidney were < 0.01 for both hormones. The minute radioactivity detectable in the DNA samples does not represent covalent binding to DNA, however, as indicated by two sets of control experiments. (A) Analysis by HPLC of the nucleosides prepared by enzyme digest of liver DNA isolated directly or via chromatin did not reveal any consistent peak which could have been attributed to a nucleoside-steroid adduct. (B) All DNA radioactivity could be due to protein contaminations, because the specific activity of chromatin protein was determined to be more than 3,000 times higher than of DNA. The high affinity of the hormone to protein was also demonstrated by in vitro incubations, where it could be shown that the specific activity of DNA and protein was essentially proportional to the concentration of radiolabelled hormone in the organ homogenate, regardless of whether the animal was treated or whether the hormone was added in vitro to the homogenate.Carcinogens acting by covalent DNA binding can be classified according to potency on the basis of the Covalent Binding Index. Values of 10³–10⁴ have been found for potent, 10² for moderate, and 1–10 for weak carcinogens. Since estrone is moderately carcinogenic for the kidney of the male hamster, a CBI of about 100 would be expected. The actually measured limit of detection of 0.01 places covalent DNA binding among the highly unlikely mechanisms of action. Similar considerations can be made for the liver where any true covalent DNA binding must be below a level of 0.01. It is concluded that an observable tumor induction by estrone or estradiol is unlikely to be due to DNA binding.Paper presented at the Satellite Symposium of the European Society of Toxicology, Rome, March 29, 1983     

Arsenic induced changes in growth development and apoptosis in neonatal and adult brain cells in vivo and in tissue culture

Arsenic at a nonlethal level in drinking water consumed over a period of time has been reported to produce chronic toxicity and various types of health problems ranging from skin cancer to disturbance in memory. Neurotoxic effects have been reported in clinical cases with chronic exposure to arsenic. Physiological detoxication of arsenic occurs partially through methylation. Arsenic and its methylated derivatives are distributed in different organs and systems. The present study examined the possible interference in the neuronal development and differentiation due to the exposure to arsenic during gestation. The experiments were carried out to examine short and long term effects of arsenic on brain explants and cells grown and maintained in tissue culture system. The effects of arsenic exposure showed changes in brain cell membrane function indicated by generation and release of reactive oxygen-nitrogen intermediates. On the morphological aspect the explants' growth was reduced, ground matrix was lost and neural networking was inhibited. Cells showed signs of apoptotic changes. Arsenic toxicity may induce damage to brain cells prior to more visible clinical conditions. The deleterious effects also pass from the maternal to fetal tissue across the transplacental barrier.     

Nicotine metabolism and urinary elimination in mouse: in vitro and in vivo

This study aimed at elucidating the in vivo metabolism of nicotine both with and without inhibitors of nicotine metabolism. Second, the role of mouse CYP2A5 in nicotine oxidation in vitro was studied as such information is needed to assess whether the mouse is a suitable model for studying chemical inhibitors of the human CYP2A6. The oxidation of nicotine to cotinine was measured and the ability of various inhibitors to modify this reaction was determined. Nicotine and various inhibitors were co-administered to CD2F1 mice, and nicotine and urinary levels of nicotine and four metabolites were determined. In mouse liver microsomes anti-CYP2A5 antibody and known chemical inhibitors of the CYP2A5 enzyme blocked cotinine formation by 85–100%, depending on the pre-treatment of the mice. The amount of trans-3-hydroxycotine was five times higher than cotinine N-oxide, and ten times higher than nicotine N-1-oxide and cotinine. Methoxsalen, an irreversible inhibitor of CYP2A5, significantly reduced the metabolic elimination of nicotine in vivo, but the reversible inhibitors had no effect. It is concluded that the metabolism of nicotine in mouse is very similar to that in man and, therefore, that the mouse is a suitable model for testing novel chemical inhibitors of human CYP2A6.     

Circulating nucleic acids in plasma and serum: roles in diagnosis and prognosis in diabetes and cancer

The presence of DNA and RNA circulating in human plasma and serum is described. The possible sources of the DNA/RNA in blood, their ability to enter other cells and to express in the recipient cells are discussed and the relationship with metastases considered. The possible role(s) of the DNA/RNA in clinical diagnosis, in monitoring treatment and in prognosis are considered for diabetes and oncology.     

SalB stimulates neurogenesis and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo

Aims： Previous studies suggested that Salvianolic acid B （SalB） has strong protective effect against cerebral ischemia. Recently, Sal B has been reported to enhance angiogenesis in vitro. Based on the information above, in this study we are interested in the effect of SalB on neurogenesis and angiogenesis. Methods：In vitro study, we used embryonic mouse （El6） primary cortical neural cultures. Neuron was recognized by anti-MAP2 with immunocytochemistry. Neurogenesis was tested with BrdU incorporation by ELSA method. SalB（ 10 -6 -10 -8M） or vehicle was added to the culture medium 24 hrs before BrdU addition. In vivo, middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） rats were used as focal cerebral ischemia model.     

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic determinants and considerations in chemotherapy selection and dosing in infants

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of high-quality data regarding optimal chemotherapy dosage regimens among infants. Dosing regimens for chemotherapy during the first year of life are commonly based on empiric recommendations extrapolated from older children; however, balancing efficacy and toxicity is critical as severe adverse drug reactions may lead to treatment failure or reduced adherence to needed medications. AREAS COVERED: This review describes pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic considerations when administering chemotherapeutic agents to infants. Examples of commonly used agents are provided with practical recommendations for dosing adjustments. EXPERT OPINION: Optimal chemotherapy for children and infants in particular has lagged behind the remarkable progress in cancer treatment and it is clear that far more basic and clinical research are needed with respect to the mechanistic basis of age-dependent differences in pharmacokinetic parameters. More recent studies which have combined pharmacokinetic data with clinical toxicity and outcome data have resulted in a number of more evidence-based guidelines at least for the initial chemotherapy dosing; however, at present, the dosing of chemotherapy drugs in neonates and infants remains largely empiric.     

Metabolic interaction between imipramine and carbamazepine in vivo and in vitro in rats

Summary The pharmacokinetic consequences of the combination of carbamazepine with imipramine in male Wistar rats have been investigated. It was found that a 2-week treatment with the combination resulted in the increase of the concentrations of the parent compounds and a simultaneous decrease in their metabolites in blood plasma i.e. carbamazepine inhibited imipramine demethylation in the side chain while imipramine inhibited carbamazepine 10,11-epoxidation. The velocity of imipramine 2-hydroxylation and 10,11-epoxy-carbamazepine hydration did not seem to be changed by the combination. On the basis of studies in vitro it is concluded that the observed metabolic interaction between carbamazepine and imipramine is due to the competition of the drugs for the active centre of cytochrome P 450 and to a certain qualitative alteration of the enzyme by imipramine as can be deducted from the decrease of carbamazepine binding to the cytochrome. Send offprint requests to K. J. Netter     

Nicotine metabolism and urinary elimination in mouse: in vitro and in vivo

This study aimed at elucidating the in vivo metabolism of nicotine both with and without inhibitors of nicotine metabolism. Second, the role of mouse CYP2A5 in nicotine oxidation in vitro was studied as such information is needed to assess whether the mouse is a suitable model for studying chemical inhibitors of the human CYP2A6. The oxidation of nicotine to cotinine was measured and the ability of various inhibitors to modify this reaction was determined. Nicotine and various inhibitors were co-administered to CD2F1 mice, and nicotine and urinary levels of nicotine and four metabolites were determined. In mouse liver microsomes anti-CYP2A5 antibody and known chemical inhibitors of the CYP2A5 enzyme blocked cotinine formation by 85-100%, depending on the pre-treatment of the mice. The amount of trans-3-hydroxycotine was five times higher than cotinine N-oxide, and ten times higher than nicotine N-1-oxide and cotinine. Methoxsalen, an irreversible inhibitor of CYP2A5, significantly reduced the metabolic elimination of nicotine in vivo, but the reversible inhibitors had no effect. It is concluded that the metabolism of nicotine in mouse is very similar to that in man and, therefore, that the mouse is a suitable model for testing novel chemical inhibitors of human CYP2A6.     

Consistency in catecholamine and cortisol excretion in males and females

Data from a series of experiments performed on 24 female and 24 male subjects were used to evaluate the consistency in urinary catecholamine and cortisol excretion. Data were available from 8 laboratory situations of varying activity level and content, spaced at intervals of maximum 3 months. Correlational analyses showed that for cortisol, interindividual consistency was higher for measures obtained on the same day than for measures obtained on different days. Interindividual consistency was generally high in catecholamine and cortisol excretion during non-stressful situations in both sexes. During experimental stress, however, consistency was as high as during nonstress for males, while it was lower for females. Analysis of variance components confirmed these results and showed that in males variation due to interindividual differences was high during both baseline and experimental-stress situations, while in females it was high during baseline situations only. During experimental stress, variation for females was due primarily to interaction. It is suggested that the males showed a more generalized stress response over situations than the females.     

Penetration and action of edoxudine in vitro and in vivo

The penetration of 5-ethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (edoxudine, Aedurid) from gel base with and without the addition of urea and other adjuvant has been studied in an in vitro model using guinea pig skin. The formulation of 3% edoxudine gel with 5% urea showed the best results. In vivo experiments on hairless mice infected intracutaneously with herpes simplex virus type 1 also showed this formulation's good efficacy as compared to other formulations.     

Buprenorphine and naloxone alone and in combination in opioid-dependent humans

Subjective, physiological and behavioral effects of subcutaneously administered hydromorphone (6 mg), naloxone (0.2 mg), buprenorphine (0.2 and 0.3 mg), and two buprenorphine-naloxone combinations (buprenorphine 0.2 mg plus naloxone 0.2 mg and buprenorphine 0.3 mg plus naloxone 0.2 mg) were assessed under double-blind conditions in six opioid-dependent volunteers. Physiologic measures and subject- and observer-rated behavioral responses were measured before dosing and for 120 min after drug administration. Hydromorphone decreased pupil diameter and respiration, increased blood pressure and increased scores on subjective measures indicating opioid-like effects. Buprenorphine given alone had no significant effect on any variable measured. Naloxone given alone produced opioid abstinence-like effects which were measurable on subject- and observer-rated behavioral measures and physiological measures. Buprenorphine in combination with naloxone somewhat attenuated the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal response. Overall, the naloxone-buprenorphine combinations produced effects which were qualitatively similar to the effects of naloxone alone, suggesting a low potential for abuse of the combination product by opioid-dependent individuals.Supported by a grant from Reckitt and Colman Pharmaceutical Division and USPHS Grants DA-00050 and DA-04089 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse     

Cadmium in milk and mammary gland in rats and mice

The purpose of the present investigation was to study the uptake of cadmium in mammary tissue, effects on milk secretion and composition, and lactational transport of cadmium to the sucklings. Cadmium exposure during lactation resulted in retention of cadmium in the mammary tissue in mice and rats. The uptake of cadmium in the mammary tissue was rapid, as shown in lactating mice by whole-body autoradiography 4 h after an intravenous injection of a tracer dose of (109)CdCl(2). Retention of cadmium in kidneys of suckling pups was observed in the autoradiograms at 7 days after exposure of the dams. Lactating rats were intravenously infused with (109)CdCl(2) in 0.9% saline via osmotic minipumps from day 3 to day 16 after parturition. The cadmium dose given was 0, 8.8, 62 and 300 microg Cd/kg body wt. per day. Plasma and milk were collected at day 10 and 16 after parturition. Plasma cadmium levels in dams increased from day 10 to day 16. Cadmium levels were higher in milk than in plasma, with milk/plasma ratios varying from 2 to 6. Zinc levels in milk were positively correlated to cadmium levels in milk (r(2)=0.26; P=0. 03). In milk, (109)Cd was distributed in fat (46-52%), casein fraction (40-46%), and whey fraction (6-8%). There was a high correlation between cadmium concentrations in pups' kidney and cadmium concentrations in dam's milk (r(2)=0.98; P < 0.001). Of the cadmium dose given to the dams <0.05% was retained in the litters on day 16 of lactation. No effects were observed due to cadmium exposure on body weight in pups or dams. Cadmium treatment did not cause any effect on the lactose or protein concentration in milk, the concentrations of DNA, RNA or the ratio RNA/DNA in the mammary gland. Histological evaluation of mammary tissue did not reveal any abnormalities at any dose level. (109)Cd was bound to metallothionein in mammary tissue. The fraction of radiolabelled cadmium bound to metallothionein increased in a dose-dependent manner in both the liver (88-98%) and mammary tissue (57-80%). The present results indicate a low transfer of cadmium to the suckling pup, which might be due to binding of cadmium to metallothionein in the mammary tissue. However, during the susceptible developmental period even a low cadmium exposure may be of concern.     

UDP glucuronyltransferase and phenolsulfotransferase from rat liver in vivo and in vitro—IV: Species differences in harmol conjugation and elimination in bile and urine in vivo

Harmol, (7-hydroxy-1-methyl-9H-pyrido-3,4b)-indol, is converted to harmol-sulfate and harmol-glucuronide when it is injected in vivo in the rat. Conjugation of harmol, and elimination of the conjugates in bile and urine were studied in cat, rabbit, mouse, guinea-pig and rat after an intravenous dose of 20 μmoles/kg. Rabbit and guinea-pig nearly exclusively glucuronidated harmol. The cat predominantly synthesized harmol-sulfate but harmol-glucuronide was also produced. Mouse and rat synthesized both conjugates to comparable amounts. After 2 hr about 20% of the dose was found in urine in the form of the conjugates. From 30–60% of the dose was present in bile after this time; the rabbit excreted only 9% in that time in bile and was a poor excretor in bile. The glucuronide conjugate is excreted to a higher extent in bile than the sulfate conjugate. The data suggest that biliary excretion requires a high liver concentration of the relevant compound for a high rate or excretion.     

Platycodin D and D3 increase airway mucin release in vivo and in vitro in rats and hamsters

The root of Platycodon grandiflorum has been widely used for the treatment of various chronic inflammatory diseases including airway disease in oriental medicine. The root extract of the plant has been known to be effective in the expectoration of sputum or mucus, thereby improving airway respiratory function and preventing secondary airway inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of platycodin D and D3, the saponin components that are anti-inflammatory components in Platycodon grandiflorum. Platycodin D and D3 increased mucin release from rat and hamster tracheal surface epithelial cell culture and also from intact rat trachea upon nebulization. The effect of platycodin D3 was stronger than that of ATP, a potent mucin secretagogue and also of ambroxole, a mucolytic drug. The results from the present study suggest that platycodin D and D3 are useful as expectorant agents in the treatment of various airway diseases.     

Extraction and determination of prednisolone in drugs and excipients in ointments and creams and the uniformity of distribution in prednisolone ointment

For the purpose of measuring the contents of prednisolone in low concentrated ointments and creams an instruction was elaborated that includes several steps of extraction, in the resulting solution of which the assay of the steroid by Blue Tetrazolium reaction will be done. The procedure permits the determination of prednisolone in presence of most of usual ingredients of ointment bases except wool alcohols. Also no influence is given by some remedies combined with prednisolone for topical application except coal tar solution. The results confirm a correct reflection of the steroid contents declared respectively the recovery of the steroid added to various ointment bases. Introducing discussion to content uniformity concerning low concentrated ointments is made, and some deviations are shown.     

Hydralazine and its metabolites: in vitro and in vivo activity in the rat

The vasodilator, hypotensive, and antihypertensive effects of hydralazine and its known and putative metabolites were compared in vitro, in the isolated, perfused mesenteric arterial bed of the rat, and in vivo, in the urethane-anesthetized normotensive rat (NR) and in the conscious renal hypertensive rat (RHR). In the mesenteric bed, hydralazine produced inhibition of noradrenaline (NA)-induced vasoconstriction (IC50-NA = 0.4 micrograms/ml). All the metabolites were five to greater than 250 times less potent than the parent compound. Hydralazine inhibited potassium-induced vasoconstriction at concentrations (IC50-K+ = 700 micrograms/ml) above those required to inhibit NA. Two metabolites, 9-hydroxy-3-methyl-s-triazolo-(3.4-a)phthalazine and the acetone hydrazone (HP-AH), were more potent (five- and 10-fold, respectively) than hydralazine in inhibiting potassium-induced vasoconstriction. The other metabolites produced less than 50% inhibition at the highest concentration tested. In in vivo studies, blood pressure in NR or RHR was reduced by hydralazine, following doses of 0.1 or 0.25 mg/kg i.v. and above. HP-AH was sixfold less active than hydralazine in NR and 10-fold less active in RHR, while the pyruvic acid hydrazone was 33- and 14-fold 1 s active, respectively. The other metabolites tested were practically inactive in concentrations up to the limits of solubility. Although several hydralazine metabolites show some vasodilator and blood pressure-lowering activity, it seems unlikely that the formation of metabolites is a major factor in the antihypertensive effect of hydralazine or is responsible for its long duration of action.     

Strain-dependency in motor activity and in concentration and turnover of catecholamines in synchronized rats

Circadian rhythm in motor activity was studied with an Animex motimeter in six strains of rats (ACI, BH, BS, DA, LEW, TNO) synchronized by a 12 hr light: 12 hr dark cycle. ANOVA revealed significant interstrain differences in motor activity as well as in the concentration and turnover of central noradrenaline and dopamine. Strain-dependent differences were also found with regard to tyrosine hydroxylase inhibition on motor activity. However, no significant interstrain correlations were found between endogenous concentration and/or turnover rates of the catecholamines and motor activity in normal and drug-treated rats.