Metabolic pathways and pharmacokinetics of BOF-4272, a sulfoxide-containing drug, in the dog: in vivo and in vitro studies

BOF-4272, (+/-)-8-(3-methoxy-4- phenylsulfinylphenyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine-4(1H)-one, is a new drug intended for the treatment of hyperuricemia. This report describes the detailed metabolic pathways of BOF-4272 in the dog. The metabolic pathways were investigated using the metabolites found in plasma, urine, and feces after intravenous or oral administration of BOF-4272, as well as the metabolites found in the liver S9 incubation mixture after the addition of BOF-4272 or BOF-4269. BOF-4269 (the sulfide metabolite of BOF-4272) was the only metabolite detected in plasma and feces after the intravenous or oral administration of BOF-4272. BOF-4269 was detected in dog plasma after a lag time following the oral administration of BOF-4272, and the Cmax and AUC0-t of BOF-4269 were higher in fed dogs than in fasted dogs after the oral administration of BOF-4272. A small amount of BOF-4269 was detected in dog plasma immediately after the intravenous administration of BOF-4272. Only BOF-4276 (the sulfone metabolite of BOF-4272) was detected in the S9 incubation mixture after the addition of BOF-4272. Mainly BOF-4272 was detected and small amounts of BOF-4276 and M-1 (the hydroxy metabolite of BOF-4269) were detected in the S9 incubation mixture after the addition of BOF-4269. These findings suggest that BOF-4272 is mainly metabolized to BOF-4269 by the intestinal flora in dogs, whereas little of this drug is metabolized to BOF-4269 in the dog liver. In conclusion, this work has allowed us to formulate the proposed metabolic pathways of BOF-4272 in the dog.     

Evaluation of the pharmacological actions and pharmacokinetics of BOF-4272, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, in mouse liver

BOF-4272 (+/-)-8-(3-methoxy-4-phenylsulphinylphenyl) pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine-4-(1H)-one, a new synthetic anti-hyperuricaemic drug, which has a chiral centre and exists as racemates, is a potent inhibitor of xanthine oxidase/dehydrogenase in the purine catabolism pathways. The present studies using mice demonstrated that BOF-4272 was specifically distributed in the liver, which is the main organ of uric acid production. Therefore, a decrease in uric acid concentration in the liver, rather than the plasma, was identified as a pharmacological action of BOF-4272. The ratio of liver to plasma concentrations of BOF-4272 increased from 2.5 to 6.3 over time, up to 8 h after oral administration. The elimination half-life of BOF-4272 in the liver was 5-1-fold longer than that in the plasma. High concentrations of BOF-4272 were observed in the liver up to 8 h after oral administration. Furthermore, the influx of BOF-4272 into hepatocytes occurred in a temperature-dependent manner. The liver concentrations of uric acid from 1 h to 8 h after the oral administration of BOF-4272 (0.34-0.75 microg (g tissue)(-1)) were significantly lower than those in control animals (5.03-10.96 microg (g tissue)(-1)). BOF-4269 (the sulphide metabolite of BOF-4272) was the only metabolite detected in plasma or faeces after intravenous or oral administration. BOF-4269, which has no inhibitory action on the uric acid biosynthesis system, is generated by the metabolism of BOF-4272 in the intestinal tract. In conclusion, this work using the liver as the target organ has allowed us to identify the pharmacological actions of BOF-4272 in mice. The long-lasting effect of BOF-4272 in reducing levels of hepatic uric acid was consistent with the prolonged high BOF-4272 concentrations in the liver. These results also demonstrate that the mouse is a suitable animal species for evaluating the clinical pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of BOF-4272.     

Biotransformation of BOF-4272, a sulfoxide-containing drug, in the cynomolgus monkey.

BOF-4272, (+/-)-8-(3-methoxy-4-phenylsulfinylphenyl) pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine-4(1H)-one), is a new drug intended for the treatment of hyperuricemia. This report describes the pharmacokinetics and detailed metabolic pathways of BOF-4272 in the cynomolgus monkey, which were investigated using the metabolites found in plasma, urine, and faeces after intravenous and oral administration. M-4 was the main metabolite in plasma after intravenous administration. M-3 and M-4 were the main metabolites in plasma after oral administration. The Cmax and AUC(0-t) of M-4 were the highest of all the metabolites after intravenous administration. The Cmax and AUC(0-t) of M-3 were the highest of all the metabolites, and those of M-4 were the second highest, after oral administration. M-4 and M-3 were the main metabolites detected in urine and faeces, respectively, after intravenous administration, with M-4 and M-3 at 47.2% in urine and 19.1% in faeces, respectively, within 120 h after administration. M-4 was the only metabolite detected in urine after oral administration, at about 5% within 120 h after administration. M-3 was detected in faeces at 17.0% within 120 h after oral administration. These results suggest that, in the cynomolgus monkey, BOF-4272 is rapidly biotransformed to a main metabolite (M-4, a sulphoxide-containing metabolite of BOF-4272) and that M-4 is mainly excreted in urine and possibly also in bile, with subsequent conversion to M-3 by the intestinal flora. It is expected that the biotransformation of BOF-4272 would be similar in healthy human volunteers.     

In vitro and in vivo studies on the stereoselective pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of an (S)-(–)- and (R)-(+)-pyrazolotriazine sulfoxide in the male rat

1. BOF-4272 (a pyrazolotriazine sulfoxide) is a new drug for the treatment of hyperuricemia. The pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of both BOF-4272 enantiomers were investigated in rat. 2. Plasma concentrations after intravenous or oral administration of racemic BOF-4272 to rat were significantly higher for (S) - than for (R) -BOF-4272. 3. The concentration of (S) -BOF-4272 in hepatocyte culture medium 24 h after the addition of racemic BOF-4272 was higher than that of (R) -BOF-4272. 4. Liver concentrations after oral adminstration of racemic BOF-4272 to rat were significantly higher for (R) - than for (S) -BOF-4272. Kidney concentrations were significantly higher for (S) - than for (R) -BOF-4272. 5. Hepatic biotransformation from BOF-4272 to unknown metabolites, possibly conjugates, is stereoselective. Biotransformation of both enantiomers to the sulfone metabolite by cytochrome P450 in rat liver may also be stereoselective. 6. Biotransformation of the sulfide metabolite of BOF-4272 to BOF-4272 may be stereoselective, possibly due to the stereospecificity of flavin-containing mono-oxidase and/or cyrochrome P450. 7. The stereoselectivity of plasma concentrations of racemic BOF-4272 after intravenous or oral administration appears to be due to differences in the hepatic uptake of the two enantiomers as well as the stereoselective biotransformation of the sulfide metabolite to BOF-4272 in rat liver. Biotransformation of BOF-4272 in rat liver may also be stereoselective.     

In vitro and in vivo studies on the stereoselective pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of an (S)-(-)- and (R)-(+)-pyrazolotriazine sulfoxide in the male rat

1. BOF-4272 (a pyrazolotriazine sulfoxide) is a new drug for the treatment of hyperuricemia. The pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of both BOF-4272 enantiomers were investigated in rat. 2. Plasma concentrations after intravenous or oral administration of racemic BOF-4272 to rat were significantly higher for (S)- than for (R)-BOF-4272. 3. The concentration of (S)-BOF-4272 in hepatocyte culture medium 24 h after the addition of racemic BOF-4272 was higher than that of (R)-BOF-4272. 4. Liver concentrations after oral adminstration of racemic BOF-4272 to rat were significantly higher for (R)- than for (S)-BOF-4272. Kidney concentrations were significantly higher for (S)- than for (R)-BOF-4272. 5. Hepatic biotransformation from BOF-4272 to unknown metabolites, possibly conjugates, is stereoselective. Biotransformation of both enantiomers to the sulfone metabolite by cytochrome P450 in rat liver may also be stereoselective. 6. Biotransformation of the sulfide metabolite of BOF-4272 to BOF-4272 may be stereoselective, possibly due to the stereospecificity of flavin-containing mono-oxidase and/or cyrochrome P450. 7. The stereoselectivity of plasma concentrations of racemic BOF-4272 after intravenous or oral administration appears to be due to differences in the hepatic uptake of the two enantiomers as well as the stereoselective biotransformation of the sulfide metabolite to BOF-4272 in rat liver. Biotransformation of BOF-4272 in rat liver may also be stereoselective.     

Atypical dose-route-dependent food effects of eplerenone in the dog: presence of food effects following intravenous dosing and lack of food effects of following oral dosing

This study was conducted to investigate why a food effect was observed following an intravenous dose of eplerenone (EP) in the dog, but not following oral dosing. Three female dogs were implanted with a chronic portal vein access port and received radiolabeled EP doses orally (15 mg/kg in solution) and intravenously (7.5 mg/kg via cephalic and portal veins) under fasted and fed conditions. Mean AUC values for EP after infusion through the cephalic vein were 23.0 +/- 2.7 and 18.2 +/- 1.1 h.microg/mL under fasted and fed conditions, respectively. Corresponding values after infusion through the portal vein were 20.7 +/- 3.2 and 12.9 +/- 1.3 h.microg/mL, respectively. After oral administration, EP was absorbed 82.0 +/- 6.9 and 98.0 +/- 8.3% under fasted and fed conditions; corresponding mean AUC values were 32.0 +/- 2.0 and 30.8 +/- 3.6 h.microg/mL, respectively. The AUC value for SC-70303 acid (the open lactone form of EP) was lower under fed conditions after cephalic vein infusion, but was greater under fed conditions after portal vein infusion or oral solution administration. The hepatic first-pass effect of EP was 12.6 +/- 6.3% under fasted conditions and 27.1 +/- 6.0% under fed conditions. Pharmacokinetic analysis of EP concentrations after portal vein infusion and oral administration showed that under fed conditions the rate constants for bile excretion and for liver metabolism and urinary excretion were increased while the rate constant for elimination and/or metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract was reduced. In conclusion, the apparent lack of food effect after oral administration was observed because enhanced clearance was compensated by increased absorption.     

Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of BOF-4272 racemate after oral administration to rats and dogs

The stereoselective pharmacokinetics of BOF-4272 enantiomers in rats and dogs was investigated by simultaneously measuring concentrations in arterial, portal, and venous plasma, the liver, and the kidney at 2 h after the oral administration of the racemic drug. The concentrations of BOF-4272 enantiomers were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. The concentrations of the S(-) enantiomer in arterial, portal, and venous plasma were higher than those of the R(+) enantiomer in rats, but the opposite was found in dogs. In rats, absorption from the intestinal tract into the portal system was almost the same for the two enantiomers, whereas the hepatic uptake of the R(+) enantiomer was greater than that of the S(-) enantiomer. In dogs, absorption from the intestinal tract into the portal system was greater for the R(+) enantiomer than for the S(-) enantiomer, whereas hepatic uptake was comparable for the two enantiomers. The stereoselectivity of the renal uptake of BOF-4272 enantiomers had little effect on the stereoselectivity of enantiomers in the systemic circulation in both rats and dogs. The stereoselectivity in the systemic circulation of BOF-4272 enantiomers is therefore related to hepatic uptake in rats, and to absorption from the intestinal tract into the portal system in dogs.     

Effects of protein-calorie malnutrition on the pharmacokinetics of DA-7867, a new oxazolidinone, in rats

The pharmacokinetic parameters of DA-7867, a new oxazolidinone, were compared after intravenous and oral administration at a dose of 10 mg x kg(-1) to control rats and rats with protein-calorie malnutrition (rats with PCM). After intravenous administration of 10 mg x kg(-1) DA-7867 to rats, metabolism of the drug was not considerable and after 14 days approximately 85.0% of the dose was recovered as unchanged drug from urine and faeces. After intravenous administration to rats with PCM, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) was significantly smaller (10800 vs 6990 microg min x mL(-1)) compared with control rats. This may have been due to significantly faster total body clearance (CL, 0.930 vs 1.44 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1)). The faster CL in PCM rats could have been due to significantly faster non-renal clearance (0.842 vs 1.39 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1) due to significantly greater gastrointestinal (including biliary) excretion; the amount of unchanged DA-7867 recovered from the entire gastrointestinal tract at 24 h was significantly greater (1.19 vs 4.28% of intravenous dose)) because the renal clearance was significantly slower in PCM rats (0.0874 vs 0.0553 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1)). After oral administration to PCM rats, the AUC was significantly smaller compared with control rats (7900 vs 4310 microg x min x mL(-1)). This could have been due to a decrease in absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.     

Biotransformation of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor BOF-4272 and its metabolites in the liver and by the intestinal flora in rat

1. BOF-4272, (+/-)-8-(3-methoxy-4-phenylsulfinylphenyl) pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine-4(1H)-one), is a new drug intended for the treatment of hyperuricaemia. 2. This paper describes the detailed biotransformation of BOF-4272 and its metabolites in the liver and by the intestinal flora in rat. 3. Only the sulphoxide metabolite (M6) was detected in plasma in small amounts after the intravenous administration of M4 (hydroxy-BOF-4272) and in culture medium after the addition of M4. 4. Only M3 (the sulphide metabolite of M4) was detected in faeces, and its amount was approximately 50% of the administered dose within 1 day after the intravenous administration of M4. 5. These findings suggest that M4, which is excreted in the bile, is metabolized mainly to M3 (the corresponding sulphide of M4) by the intestinal flora in rat, whereas little M4 is metabolized to the sulphoxide (M6) in the rat liver. 6. M2, which is the demethylated form of BOF-4269, was detected in faeces after the oral administration of BOF-4272 to rat in which the common bile duct was cannulated, suggesting that BOF-4272 is metabolized to BOF-4269 and then to M2 by the intestinal flora. 7. These findings suggest that in rat the sulphoxide of BOF-4272 and its metabolites are demethylated and reduced by the intestinal flora, with other types of biotransformation occurring in the liver.     

Biotransformation of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor BOF-4272 and its metabolites in the liver and by the intestinal flora in rat

1. BOF-4272, (+/-)-8-(3-methoxy-4-phenylsulfinylphenyl) pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine-4(1H)-one), is a new drug intended for the treatment of hyperuricaemia. 2. This paper describes the detailed biotransformation of BOF-4272 andits metabolites in the liver and by the intestinal flora in rat. 3. Only the sulphoxide metabolite (M6) was detected in plasma in small amounts after the intravenous administration of M4 (hydroxy-BOF-4272) and in culture medium after the addition of M4. 4. Only M3 (the sulphide metabolite of M4) was detected in faeces, and its amount was ~50% of the administered dose within 1 day after the intravenous administration of M4. 5. These findings suggest that M4, which is excreted in the bile, is metabolized mainly to M3 (the corresponding sulphide of M4) by the intestinal flora in rat, whereas little M4 is metabolized to the sulphoxide (M6) in the rat liver. 6. M2, which is the demethylated form of BOF-4269, was detected in faeces after the oral administration of BOF-4272 to rat in which the common bile duct was cannulated, suggesting that BOF-4272 is metabolized to BOF-4269 and then to M2 by the intestinal flora. 7. These findings suggest that in rat the sulphoxide of BOF-4272 and its metabolites are demethylated and reduced by the intestinal flora, with other types of biotransformation occurring in the liver.     

Pharmacokinetic interaction between oltipraz and dimethyl-4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylene dioxybiphenyl-2,2'-dicarboxylate (DDB) after single intravenous and oral administration to rats

The aim of this study was to report the pharmacokinetic interaction between oltipraz (50 mg kg(-1)) and dimethyl-4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylene dioxybiphenyl-2,2'-dicarboxylate (DDB, 10 mg kg(-1)) after single intravenous and oral administration to rats. After intravenous administration of oltipraz plus DDB, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) of oltipraz was significantly greater (1440 vs 1740 microg min mL(-1)) than that after oltipraz alone. This was not due to slower clearances of oltipraz after oltipraz plus DDB since the total body, renal and nonrenal clearances were comparable between the two groups of rats. It could be due to a decrease in tissue binding of oltipraz by DDB. The apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vd(ss)) of DDB was significantly smaller (7060 vs 4650 mL kg(-1)) than after oltipraz alone. After oral administration of oltipraz plus DDB, the AUC of olitpraz was also significantly greater (479 vs 583 microg min mL(-1)) than that after oltipraz alone. This was not due to increased absorption of oltipraz from the rat gastrointestinal tract after oltipraz plus DDB but again could be due to a decrease in Vd(ss) of oltipraz by DDB. However, after both intravenous and oral administration, the pharmacokinetic parameters of DDB were comparable between DDB alone and DDB plus oltipraz, indicating that oltipraz did not greatly affect the pharmacokinetics of DDB in rats.     

Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and excretion of megazol, a new potent trypanocidal drug in animals.

The pharmacokinetics of megazol (CAS 19622-55-0) was investigated after intraperitoneal and oral administration of the drug (80 mg/kg) to mice. The plasma levels were significantly higher after oral administration of drug than after intraperitoneal route (33.8 micrograms/ml compared with 19.0 micrograms/ml for Cmax, 158714 micrograms.h/l compared with 96057 micrograms.h/l for AUC). When suramin (CAS 145-63-1) was administered 24 h before oral administration of megazol, megazol absorption was accelerated (2 h compared with 4 h for Tmax) but the amount absorbed was lower (19.9 micrograms/ml compared with 33.8 micrograms/ml for Cmax and 95547 micrograms.h/l vs 158714 micrograms.h/l for AUC). In the infected mice previously treated with suramin, all estimated pharmacokinetic parameters of plasma megazol were significantly modified, in particularly an increase in the apparent volume of distribution (5.6 l/kg compared with 0.9 l/kg) with a prolongation of the elimination half-life (3 h compared with 0.7 h) of megazol. Excretion of the total radioactivity of megazol was also evaluated after oral administration of 3H-megazol to rats. Total radioactivity was eliminated predominantly via the urinary route (80%) vs. 10.5% in the faeces, 9.5% remaining in the body 8 days after dosing. When unlabelled megazol was orally administered to rats with absence or presence of suramin, megazol recovered in urine and faeces 72 h dosing was: 55.7%/2% vs 20.6%/1.6%, respectively. In the urine, unchanged megazol was present as characterized by LC-MS/MS as well as 4 unknown metabolites. This study indicates that suramin significantly affects the pharmacokinetics of megazol and its elimination.     

Pharmacokinetics of a new proton-pump inhibitor, YJA-20379-8, after intravenous and oral administration to rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.

Because physiological changes occurring in diabetes mellitus patients could alter the pharmacokinetics of the drugs used to treat the disease, the pharmacokinetics of a new proton pump inhibitor, YJA-20379-8, were investigated after intravenous and oral administration of the drug (50 mg kg(-1)) to control rats and to rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (SIDM). After intravenous administration of YJA-20379-8 to SIDM rats, plasma concentrations of the drug were significantly higher and this resulted in a significantly greater AUC (area under the concentration-time curve; 2520 +/- 366 compared with 1870+/-272 microg min mL(-1)). This was because of significantly slower clearance (CL; 19.5+/-2.88 compared with 27.2+/-3.93 mL min(-1) kg(-1)) in SIDM rats. The significantly slower metabolism of YJA-20379-8 in SIDM rats was confirmed by an in-vitro tissue metabolism study; the amounts of YJA-20379-8 remaining in the liver (27.1+/-5.19 compared with 18.9+/-8.24 microg(g tissue)(-1)) were significantly greater after 30-min incubation of the drug (50 microg) with supernatant fractions obtained from the tissues by centrifugation at 9000 g. After oral administration of YJA-20379-8 to SIDM rats the plasma concentrations of the drug were significantly lower and this resulted in significantly smaller AUC (128+/-31.0 compared with 219+/-45.6 microg min mL(-1)). This was because of reduced gastrointestinal absorption of YJA-20379-8 in SIDM rats; the amounts of the oral dose recovered as unchanged drug from the entire gastrointestinal tract after 24h were significantly greater (32.9 compared with 19.2%) in SIDM rats. The tissue distribution of YJA-20379-8 was not affected by SIDM.     

Pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral DA-8159, a new erectogenic, in rats with protein-calorie malnutrition

Influence of dietary protein deficiency on the pharmacokinetics of DA-8159 and one of its metabolites, DA-8164, was investigated after intravenous and oral administration of DA-8159 at a dose of 30 mg kg(-1) to male Sprague-Dawley rats allowed free access to a 23% (control) or 5% (protein-calorie malnutrition, PCM) casein diet for 4 weeks. The total area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) values of DA-8164 were significantly smaller after both intravenous (87.0 vs 162 microg min mL(-1)) and oral (144 vs 319 microg min mL(-1)) administration of DA-8159 to PCM rats. This could be due to the decrease in CYP3A1/2 (50-60%) in the rats because DA-8164 was mainly formed via CYP3A1/2 in rats. This could be supported by significantly slower in-vitro CL(int) (2.04+/-0.646 vs 3.15+/-0.693 microL min(-1) (mg protein)(-1)) for the formation of DA-8164 in hepatic microsomal fraction of PCM rats. After intravenous administration of DA-8159, the AUC values of DA-8159 were not significantly different between the two groups of rats although the AUC of DA-8164 was significantly smaller in PCM rats, and this may be due to the minor metabolic pathway of DA-8164 in rats. However, after oral administration of DA-8159, the AUC of DA-8159 was significantly greater in PCM rats (194 vs 122 microg min mL(-1)). This was not due to enhanced absorption of DA-8159 from the gastrointestinal tract in the rats but may be due to a decreased intestinal first-pass effect of DA-8159 in the rats.     

Pharmacokinetics of the time-dependent elimination of all-trans-retinoic acid in rats

The time-dependent elimination kinetics of all-transretinoic acid (ATRA) has been associated with autoinduction of its metabolism and has led to the hypothesis that rapid development of acquired clinical resistance to ATRA may be prevented by coadministration of metabolic inhibitors. This study in rats was performed to investigate the pharmacokinetics and onset of time-dependent elimination of ATRA, with the purpose of establishing an animal model suitable for in vivo preclinical studies of compounds capable of inhibiting ATRA metabolism. After the intravenous (IV) bolus administration of single doses of ATRA (1.60 mg kg(-1) and 0.40 mg kg(-1)), the plasma concentration-time curves showed an accelerated decline at 180 minutes after dosing. The plasma clearance (Cl) of ATRA, determined after IV administration of a second dose (1.60 mg kg(-1)), at 180 minutes was greater than Cl after a single dose, thus indicating the existence of a time-dependent elimination process detectable 180 minutes after administration of the first dose. Such time-dependent elimination was confirmed by means of an IV constant-rate infusion of 0.48 mg h(-1) kg(-1) of ATRA during 10 hours. Peak plasma ATRA concentration was achieved at 180 minutes, after which the plasma concentration decreased to reach a much lower apparent steady-state drug concentration at 420 minutes. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) obtained after oral administration of a second ATRA dose (1.60 mg kg(-1)) was approximately 8% of the AUC obtained after a single oral dose; consistent with a time-dependent increase in the elimination of ATRA, as was observed after IV administration.     

Toxicokinetics of bisphenol A in rats, monkeys and chimpanzees by the LC-MS/MS method

We examined the toxicokinetics of bisphenol A (BPA) in F344 rats, cynomolgus monkeys and chimpanzees. Serum BPA levels were quantified using the LC-MS/MS method. After oral administration at 10 mg/kg, the maximum concentration in the serum (C(max)) and the area under the serum concentration curve (AUC) of BPA in cynomolgus monkeys and chimpanzees were greater than in rats. After oral administration at 100 mg/kg, AUC during the first 4h (AUC(0-->4h)) in cynomolgus monkeys was greater than in rats. In rats, the serum BPA levels were increased again 6h or later after oral administration at each dose, which suggested the enterohepatic circulation of BPA in rats. After subcutaneous administration at 10 mg/kg, the AUCs were ranked in the following order: cynomolgus monkeys>chimpanzees>rats, and C(max) in cynomolgus monkeys was greater than in rats and chimpanzees. After subcutaneous administration at 100 mg/kg to cynomolgus monkeys and rats, both the C(max) and AUCs in cynomolgus monkeys were greater than in rats. In all species, the oral administration of BPA resulted in much lower C(max) and AUCs than subcutaneous administration at the corresponding doses, indicating the low bioavailability of oral administration. This result suggests that BPA undergoes an extensive first-pass metabolism in these animal species. AUCs of subcutaneous administration and the AUC (0-->4h) of oral administration in the two primates were greater than that in rats. Because the systemic clearance for BPA is assumed to be dependent on the hepatic blood flow-rate, the high AUCs in primates are considered to be due to the lower systemic clearance by a lower hepatic blood flow-rate in primates than in rats. In addition, the toxicokinetics of the metabolites of BPA were examined. After the oral administration of 10 mg/kg BPA, both C(max) and AUCs of BPA metabolites were ranked in the following order: cynomolgus monkeys>chimpanzees>rats, and the terminal elimination half-life (T(1/2)) in rats was greater than that in cynomolgus monkeys and chimpanzees, suggesting the enterohepatic circulation of BPA in rats. From these results, the systemic clearance of BPA in primates is considered to be close to that in humans due to the similarity of the hepatic blood flow-rate. Furthermore, the major elimination route of BPA metabolites in primates is assumed to be renal excretion, as in humans, because the enterohepatic circulation that was observed in rats was not observed. In conclusion, primates are thought to be served as a valuable surrogate model for the toxicokinetics of BPA in humans.     

Faster clearance of omeprazole in rats with acute renal failure induced by uranyl nitrate: contribution of increased expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A1 and intestinal CYP1A and 3A subfamilies

It has been reported that omeprazole is mainly metabolized via hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1/2, CYP2D1 and CYP3A1/2 in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and the expression of hepatic CYP3A1 is increased in male Sprague-Dawley rats with acute renal failure induced by uranyl nitrate (U-ARF rats). Thus, the metabolism of omeprazole would be expected to increase in U-ARF rats. After intravenous administration of omeprazole (20 mgkg(-1)) to U-ARF rats, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC) was significantly reduced (371 vs 494 microg min mL(-1)), possibly due to the significantly faster non-renal clearance (56.6 vs 41.2 mL min(-1) kg(-1)) compared with control rats. This could have been due to increased expression of hepatic CYP3A1 in U-ARF rats. After oral administration of omeprazole (40 mgkg(-1)) to U-ARF rats, the AUC was also significantly reduced (89.3 vs 235 microg min mL(-1)) compared with control rats. The AUC difference after oral administration (62.0% decrease) was greater than that after intravenous administration (24.9% decrease). This may have been primarily due to increased intestinal metabolism of omeprazole caused by increased expression of intestinal CYP1A and 3A subfamilies in U-ARF rats, in addition to increased hepatic metabolism.     

Assessment of oral bioavailability and preclinical pharmacokinetics of DRF-6196, a novel oxazolidinone analogue, in comparison to linezolid.

The aim of this study was to determine the bioavailability of a novel oxazolidinone, DRF-6196, in mice and rats following intravenous (i.v) and oral dosing and to compare the pharmacokinetics with those obtained following linezolid dosing. Blood samples were drawn at predetermined intervals up to 24 h post-dose after either DRF-6196 or linezolid administration. The concentrations of DRF-6196 and linezolid in various plasma samples were determined by a HPLC method. Following oral administration maximum concentrations of DRF-6196 were achieved within 0.5 h irrespective of the species. While the doses increased in the ratio of 1 : 3 : 10, mean Cmax and AUC(0-infinity) values in mice for DRF-6196 increased in the ratio of 1 : 3.87 : 8.53 and 1 : 2.51 : 9.24, respectively. Both the Cmax and AUC(0-infinity) values increased almost proportional to the dose administered in mice. Following i.v administration, the concentration of DRF-6196 declined in a bi-exponential fashion with terminal elimination half-life of 1.5 h irrespective of the species. The systemic clearance and volume of distribution of DRF-6196 in mice were 1.14 L/h/kg and 0.66 L/kg, respectively after i.v administration, while the respective values in rats were 0.61 L/h/kg and 0.41L/kg, respectively. Elimination half-life ranged between 0.8-1.5 h. Absolute oral bioavailability of DRF-6196 was found to be 80-96% across the test dose range. Although plasma levels of DRF-6196 were lesser compared to linezolid in the initial hours, it may not have any consequences on the clinical effectiveness of the molecule.     

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols under different food status

We have investigated the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols under fed and fasted conditions in eight healthy volunteers. The volunteers were administered a single oral dose of mixed tocotrienols (300 mg) under fed or fasted conditions. The bioavailability of tocotrienols under the two conditions was compared using the parameters peak plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) and total area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(o-infinity)). A statistically significant difference was observed between the fed and fasted logarithmic transformed values of Cmax (P < 0.01) and AUC(0-infinity) (P < 0.01) for all three tocotrienols. In addition, the 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of the logarithmic transformed AUC(0-infinity) values of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols under the fed state over those of the fasted state were found to lie between 2.24-3.40, 2.05-4.09 and 1.59-3.81, respectively, while those of the Cmax were between 2.28-4.39, 2.31-5.87 and 1.52-4.05, respectively. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the fed and fasted Tmax values of the three homologues. The mean apparent elimination half-life (t(1/2)) of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols was estimated to be 4.4, 4.3 and 2.3 h, respectively, being between 4.5- to 8.7-fold shorter than that reported for alpha-tocopherol. No statistically significant difference was observed between the fed and fasted t(1/2) values. The mean apparent volume of distribution (Vd/f) values under the fed state were significantly smaller than those of the fasted state, which could be attributed to increased absorption of the tocotrienols in the fed state.     

Pharmacokinetic studies of a novel anticonvulsant, 2-(4-chlorophenyl)amino-2-(4-pyridyl)ethane, in rats.

The pharmacokinetic properties of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)amino-2-(4-pyridyl)ethane (AAP-Cl) were studied in rats after intravenous and oral administration. The blood concentrations of AAP-Cl in rats showed a biexponential decline following intravenous administration of pharmacologic doses ranging from 10 to 100 mg/kg in rats. The terminal elimination half-lives (t((1/2)beta)) of AAP-Cl at the 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg dose levels were 5.80+/-0.30, 6.02+/-0.16 and 6.05+/-0.08 h, respectively. The total clearances (CL) of AAP-Cl at the 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg dose levels were 1.29+/-1.10, 1.38+/-0.07 and 1.33+/-0.13l/(h kg), respectively. The apparent volumes of distribution at steady state (V(ss)) of AAP-Cl at the 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg dose levels were 7.96+/-0.51, 8.24+/-0.31 and 8.17+/-0.43l/kg, respectively. The AUC(0-infinity) increased proportionately to the intravenous bolus dose of AAP-Cl given (10-100 mg/kg). Statistical analysis of the t((1/2)beta), V(ss) and CL values for AAP-Cl between doses indicates that AAP-Cl exhibits dose-independent kinetics (P>0.05). AAP-Cl was absorbed rapidly after an oral dose of 100 mg/kg with peak concentrations (C(max)) in blood (3.5+/-0.33 microg/ml) reached after 30 min of drug administration. The oral bioavailability of AAP-Cl was 19.5+/-3.4% following administration of a single 100 mg/kg dose in rats. Urine analysis indicates that 2.5+/-0.45% of the administered dose of AAP-Cl (100 mg/kg, p.o.) is recovered unchanged in urine within 0-24 h. These findings may be useful in designing new aminoalkylpyridine anticonvulsants with improved efficacy and disposition profiles in animal models of epilepsy.