Genetic Immunization Using Nanoparticles Engineered from Microemulsion Precursors

Purpose. Genetic immunization using naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) has been shown to elicit broad humoral and cellular immune responses. However, more versatile and perhaps cell-targeted delivery systems are needed. To this end, a novel process to engineer cationic nanoparticles coated with pDNA for genetic immunization was explored. Methods. Cationic nanoparticles were engineered from warm oil-in-water microemulsion precursors composed of emulsifying wax as the oil phase and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the cationic surfactant. Plasmid DNA was coated on the surface of the cationic nanoparticles to produce pDNA-coated nanoparticles. An endosomolytic lipid and/or a dendritic cell-targeting ligand (mannan) were incorporated in or deposited on the nanoparticles to enhance the in vitro cell transfection efficiency and the in vivo immune responses after subcutaneous injection to Balb/C mice. The IgG titer to expressed -galactosidase and the cytokine release from isolated splenocytes after stimulation were determined on 28 days. Results. Cationic nanoparticles (around 100 nm) were engineered within minutes. The pDNA-coated nanoparticles were stable at 37°C over 30 min in selected biologic fluids. Transmission electron microscopy showed the nanoparticles were spherical. Plasmid DNA-coated nanoparticles, especially those with both an endosomolytic lipid and dendritic cell-targeting ligand, resulted in significant enhancement in both IgG titer (over 16-fold) and T-helper type-1 (Th1-type) cytokine release (up to 300% increase) over naked pDNA. Conclusion. A novel method to engineer pDNA-coated nanoparticles for enhanced in vitro cell transfection and enhanced in vivo immune responses was reported.     

Synthesis and β-Adrenergic Activities of R-Fluoronaphthyloxypropanolamine

Purpose. Many biogenic amines where an aromatic proton is substituted with fluorine have exhibited pharmacological properties that are dependent on the position of fluorine on the aromatic ring. For example, 6-fluoroepinephrine is selective for -adrenergic receptors whereas the 2-fluoroisomer is selective for -receptors. Aryloxypropanolamines are -receptor agonists or antagonists, depending on the aryl group and its substituents. We therefore hypothesized that fluorine substitution on the aromatic ring could lead to significant biological effects in this class. A target with fluorine on naphthyl group of a known -antagonist was chosen for investigation. Methods. Synthesis of the target compound began with fluoronaphthalene and involved introduction of 4-hydroxy group by Friedel-Crafts acylation followed by Baeyer Villiger oxidation. The side chain was introduced stereoselectively using the chiral synthon (2R)-glycidyl 3-nitrobenzenesulfonate, a Sharpless epoxidation technique. The epoxide was opened with t-butyl amine. HPLC methods were used to characterize %ee of the enantiomer. Results. The target compound was synthesized in several hundred milligram quantity, and in good yield and high enantiomeric excess, showing practicality of the synthetic scheme. It exhibited potent binding activities on -adrenergic receptors, and was found to be two times selective for ₂-receptors over ₁. Conclusions. The current report demonstrates that aromatic fluorine substitution on -adrenergic ligands can be achieved, and that such can be used to obtain binding selectivity between receptors.     

Biliary Excretion of 17β-Estradiol 17β-d-Glucuronide Is Predominantly Mediated by cMOAT/MRP2

Purpose. The mechanism for the biliary excretion of 17-estradiol170-d-glucuronide (E₂17G), a cholestatic metabolite of estradiol, isstill controversial. The purpose of the present study is to examine thetransport of E₂17G across the bile canalicular membrane. Methods. We examined the uptake of [³H]E₂17G by isolatedcanalicular membrane vesicles (CMVs) prepared from Sprague-Dawley (SD)rats and Eisai Hyperbilirubinemic rats (EHBR) whose canalicularmultispecific organic anion transporter/multidrug resistance associatedprotein 2 (cMOAT/MRP2) function is hereditarily defective. Also,in vivo biliary excretion of intravenously administered [³H]E₂17Gwas examined. Results. In CMVs prepared from SD rats, but not from EHBR, amarked ATP-dependent uptake of [³H]E₂17G was observed.Moreover, E₂17G competitively inhibited the ATP-dependent uptake of[³H]2,4-dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione (DNP-SG). In addition, nosignificant inhibitory effect of verapamil (100 M) and PSC-833 (5 M) onthe uptake of [³H]E₂17G was observed. In vivo, the biliary excretionof intravenously administered [³H]E₂17G was severely impaired inEHBR while the biliary excretion of [³H]E₂17G in SD rats wasreduced by administering a cholestatic dose (10 mol/kg) unlabeledE₂17G, but not by PSC-833 (3 mg/kg). Conclusions. The transport of E₂17G across the bile canalicularmembrane is predominantly mediated by cMOAT/MRP2.     

Differentiation of cardiac chronotropic and inotropic effects of β-adrenoceptor agonists

Summary The relative inotropic and chronotropic activity of -adrenoceptor agonists was studied in the noradrenaline-depleted, anaesthetized cat. Terbutaline, a selective ₂-adrenoceptor agonist, gave at a certain dose a more pronounced chronotropic than inotropic response, while a new ₁-selective adrenoceptor agonist (–)-H 80/62 produced the same degree of chronotropic and inotropic stimulation. The results indicate that there is some difference between the -adrenoceptors in the sinus node mediating chronotropic stimulation and -adrenoceptors in the ventricular myocardium mediating stimulation of the contractile force. It has been shown that there are both ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptors in the heart (Carlsson et al., 1972). In the light of this finding it is hypothetized that there are differences in the relative distribution of ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptors in the sinus node and in the myocardium. Although ₁ is the predominant type of -adrenoceptor in both regions, the ₁: ₂ concentration ratio seems to be higher in the myo-cardium, than in the sinus node.     

Intestinal Transport of β-Lactam Antibiotics: Analysis of the Affinity at the H+/Peptide Symporter (PEPT1), the Uptake into Caco-2 Cell Monolayers and the Transepithelial Flux

Purpose. This study on the intestinal transport of -lactam antibiotics was undertaken to investigate the correlation between cellular transport parameters and the bioavailability. Methods. Transport of 23 -lactam antibiotics was characterized by measuring their ability to inhibit the uptake of glycylsarcosine into Caco-2 cells, their uptake into the cells and their total flux across the cell monolayers. Results. Ceftibuten and cyclacillin were recognized by PEPT1 with affinity constants comparable to those of natural dipeptides (K_i = 0.3 and 0.5 mM, respectively). Cefadroxil, cefamandole, cephradine, cefaclor, cefuroxime-axetil, cefixime, cephalotin, cephalexin and ampicillin also interacted with PEPT1 (K_i = 7-14 mM). In contrast, cefapirin, cefodizime, cefuroxime, cefmetazole, ceftazidime, benzyl-penicillin, ceftriaxone, cefpirome, cefotaxime, cefepime, cephaloridine and cefsulodin displayed no affinity to the transport system (K_i > 20 mM). The uptake into the cells and the transepithelial flux was highest for those -lactam antibiotics, which showed the strongest inhibition of [¹⁴C]Gly-Sar transport (p < 0.0001). Exceptions were cefuroxim-axetil and cephalotin. Conclusions. The probability of oral bioavailability for -lactam antibiotics is mainly determined by their affinity to PEPT1. A threshold K_i value of 14 mM with respect to Gly-Sar uptake is required.     

Serum glycoside concentrations after single or repeated intravenous doses ofβ-methyl-digoxin and digoxin

Summary The aim of the present investigation was to estimate the ratio of the intravenous doses of-methyl-digoxin and digoxin required to produce identical serum glycoside concentrations in man.20 patients on intravenous maintenance therapy were changed from-methyl-digoxin to the identical dose of digoxin or vice versa. Each drug was given for 7 days. Serum concentrations 13% higher were found during administration of-methyl-digoxin. Assuming a half life of 60 h after with drawal, the dose of digoxin producing the same minimum serum concentration was estimated to be 1.16 times higher than that of-methyl-digoxin.18 healthy volunteers received 0.4 mg -methyldigoxin, and 23 the same dose of digoxin, as an intravenous infusion over 2 h. The serum concentrations and urinary glycoside excretion were measured over a period of 32 hrs. During the first hour after the infusion the serum concentration of digoxin declined more rapidly than that of-methyl-digoxin. Thereafter, the ratio of the serum concentrations did not change appreciably up to the end of the investigation. The area under the serum concentration/time curve was about 13% greater for-methyl-digoxin than for digoxin; this difference was not significant.The average renal clearance was 96±9 ml for-methyl-digoxin, 151±13 ml for digoxin. Since the total body clearance of digoxin is only about 1.16 times higher than that of-methyl-digoxin, the lower renal clearance of-methyl-digoxin must partly be compensated by higher extrarenal clearance.From the ratios of the areas under the serum concentration/time curves after single doses of -methyldigoxin and digoxin, and the minimum serum concentrations during maintenance therapy, it was concluded that the dose of digoxin to produce the same average serum concentrations would be about 1.15 times higher than that of-methyl-digoxin. In comparison with the large variations in individual dosage of digoxin and-methyl-digoxin, this difference is too small to be of practical importance.     

Differential Effects of Sulfate and Sulfobutyl Ether of β-Cyclodextrin on Erythrocyte Membranes in Vitro

The hemolytic activity of -cyclodextrin (-CyD) on rabbit erythrocytes was reduced by the introduction of negatively-charged groups onto the hydroxyls of -CyD; the membrane disrupting abilities decreased in the order of -CyD > 2-hydroxypropyl--CyD (HP--CyD) > sulfobutyl--CyD (SB--CyD) >> -CyD sulfate (S--CyD). Under pre-hemolytic concentrations, both -CyD and SB--CyD induced shape changes of membrane invagination on the erythrocytes. In sharp contrast, S--CyD showed biphasic effect on the shape of the erythrocytes; i.e. the crenation at relatively low concentrations and the invagination at higher concentrations. The S--CyD-induced membrane crenation arose from a direct action on the membranes rather than cell metabolism-mediated effects. Unlike -CyD, S--CyD was found to bind to the erythrocytes and may be confined to the outer surface of the membrane bilayer, which may expand the exterior layer relative to the cytoplasmic half, thereby inducing the cells to crenate. On the other hand, the membrane invagination mediated by the three - CyDs was initiated by extracting specific membrane lipids from the cells, depending upon their inclusion abilities, subsequently leading to the lysis of the cells. These results indicate that SB--CyD and S--CyD interact with the erythrocyte membranes in a differential manner and possess lower membrane disrupting abilities than the parent -CyD and HP--CyD.     

The influence of hyperthyroidism on β-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of isolated small mesenteric arteries

We investigated the influence of hyperthyroidism on relaxant responses of small mesenteric resistance arteries to -adrenoceptor agonists and to compounds stimulating the corresponding second-messenger system. Hyperthyroidism was induced by feeding rats for 28 days with 5 mg/kg L-thyroxine (T4)-containing rat chow. This treatment produced a stable hyperthyroid state, as indicated by several biochemical/metabolic and haemodynamic parameters. Preparations of small mesenteric arteries were mounted in an isometric wire myograph. Subsequently, concentration-effect curves were determined for isoproterenol, noradrenaline and salbutamol as well as for forskolin, dibutyryl-cAMP and theophylline. We also determined concentration-effect curves to the -adrenoceptor agonists in the presence of ICI 118,551 and CGP 20712A (i.e., in the presence of a selective ₂- and ₁-adrenoceptor antagonist, respectively). Apparent pA₂-values were calculated to determine which -adrenoceptor subtype causes vasodilation. These experiments indicate that -adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilation involves both ₁- and ₂-adrenoceptors in mesenteric resistance vessels of both hyperthyroid and control rats. In our experiments hyperthyroidism has a sensitizing influence on vascular responses induced by the -adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol and the selective ₂-adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol. Sensitization to isoproterenol was abolished in the presence of ICI 118,551, whereas it was emphasized in the presence of CGP 20712A. Although this was not fully supported by the results obtained with noradrenaline, these results indicate that the sensitization to -adrenoceptor agonists is probably limited to the ₂-adrenoceptor/G-protein complex and not associated with alterations of the corresponding second messenger system.     

Synergistic Effect of Formulated Plasmid and Needle-Free Injection for Genetic Vaccines

Purpose. A plasmid-based gene expression system was complexed with protective, interactive, and non-condensing (PINC) polymer system and administered with Medi-Jector, a needle-free injection device (NFID), to achieve high and sustained levels of antigen-specific antibodies in blood circulation. Methods. Human growth hormone (hGH) or bacterial -galactosidase gene expression plasmids driven by a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter were formulated in saline or complexed with a PINC polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and intramuscularly or subcutaneously administered into dogs and pigs using a 22-gauge needle or a NFID. The hGH-specific IgG titers in serum were measured by an ELISA. -galactosidase expression was measured in injected muscles by an enzymatic assay or immunohistochemistry. The effect of NFID on DNA stability and topology was assessed by gel electrophoresis. Results. Intramuscular (i.m.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of a hGH expression plasmid pCMV-hGH (0.05-0.5 mg/kg) in dogs and pigs elicited antigen-specific IgG antibody titers to expressed hGH. With both routes of injection, pDNA delivery by a NFID was superior to pDNA injection by needle. The magnitude of hGH-specific IgG titers with NFID was 15–20-fold higher than needle injection when pDNA was complexed with PVP, and only 3–4-fold higher with pDNA in saline. The transfection efficiency in the injected muscle, as measured by -galaclosidase expression, following i.m. injection of pCMV--galaclosidase/PVP, was not significantly different between needle and NFID-injected groups. Conclusions. These data demonstrate that the combination of pDNA/ PVP complexes and a NFID act synergistically to achieve high and sustained levels of antigen-specific IgG response to expressed antigen. This gene delivery approach may offer advantage over needle injection of naked DNA for the development of genetic vaccines.     

The Effect of Benzyl Alcohol on Recombinant Human Interferon-γ

Purpose. The goal of this study was to investigate the conformational change and aggregation of recombinant human interferon-gamma (rhIFN-) as a result of interaction between benzyl alcohol and the protein. The effects of buffer concentration, buffer species, ionic strength, rhIFN- and benzyl alcohol concentrations on the dynamics of the interaction in liquid formulations were also examined. Methods. The effect of benzyl alcohol on the secondary and tertiary structure of rhIFN- in succinate and acetate buffers was studied using far-UV and near-UV circular dichroism spectrophotometry, respectively. Dynamic light scattering was employed to detect aggregate formation due to the interaction of benzyl alcohol with rhIFN-. Results. The addition of benzyl alcohol at 0.9% (w/v) in various liquid rhIFN- formulations induced changes in circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the protein in the near-UV region, while the CD spectra in the far-UV region remained unaltered. There were gradual decreases in ellipticity with time throughout the near-UV CD spectra. The decreases in near-UV ellipticity induced by benzyl alcohol were accompanied by the formation of high molecular weight aggregates as measured by dynamic light scattering. Loss in near-UV ellipticity was accelerated at lower protein concentration and by increasing buffer or benzyl alcohol concentration. It was also faster in succinate than in acetate buffer. Formulation ionic strength did not affect the CD spectral changes in both the near- and far-UV regions. Conclusions. Interaction between benzyl alcohol and rhIFN- is formulation dependent. Protein concentration, buffer species, buffer concentration, and preservative concentration play a significant role in determining the extent of the interaction and consequently the stability of the product.     

Immunomodulatory effect and quantitation of a cytotoxic glycosphingolipid from Murdannia loriformis

NMR signal reassignments for a cytotoxic glycosphingolipid compound, 2, -O-D-glucopyranosyl-2-(2-hydroxy-Z-6-enecosamide)sphingosine, isolated from an ethanolic extract of the herb Murdannia loriformis, have been achieved by use of FAB-MS, and 1D and 2D ¹H and ¹³C NMR. The amount of 2 in the herb juice was quantitatively determined by use of a validated HPLC method (RP-18, MeOH–H₂O, UV detection at 210 nm). The immunomodulatory effect of the herb juice and of 2 was proved by means of in vitro cellular immunological assays. Compound 2 at a concentration of 13 nmol L^–1 stimulated PBMC proliferation and increased the CD 3,4:CD 3,8 ratio in T lymphocytes.     

Binding of 3H-clonidine to an α-adrenoceptor in membranes of guinea-pig ileum

Summary The binding of ³H-clonidine to membrane particles from guinea-pig ileum was investigated. The specific binding, i.e. the binding that could be inhibited by high concentrations of unlabeled clonidine or noradrenaline, was of high affinity, K _D3 nM. The number of sites was approximately 25 fmol/mg protein. Rate constants of association and dissociation were 5.3×10⁷ M^–1 min^–1 and 0.18 min^–1, respectively. Affinites of various drugs to the binding site were determined by measuring their effect on the binding of ³H-clonidine. The affinity of adrenergic agonists decreased in the order clonidine = tramazoline > (–)-erythro--methylnoradrenaline > (–)-noradrenaline (–)-phenylephrine. (–)-Noradrenaline had about 20 times more affinity than the (+)-isomer. The affinity of -adrenoceptor antagonists decreased in the order phentolamine > rauwolscine = yohimbine > WB 4101 > pseudoyohimbine > prazosin = corynanthine. Yohimbine and rauwolscine had about 100 times more affinity than their stereoisomer corynanthine. Serotonin 10 M and metiamide 10 M did not affect the binding, and propranolol inhibited it only at high concentrations. — The results indicate that ³H-clonidine labels an ₂-adrenoceptor in guinea-pig ileum. The orders of affinity of -adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists agree well with their orders of potency in functional tests, namely as modulators of cholinergic transmission in the guinea-pig ileum and as modulators of noradrenaline release in the rabbit pulmonary artery. An -adrenoceptor should be classified as ₂ when the affinities of clonidine, tramazoline and -methylnoradrenaline greatly exceed the affinity of phenylephrine, and when the affinities of rauwolscine and yohimbine exceed those of prazosin and corynanthine.     

Effects of Topical Anandamide-Transport Inhibitors,AM404 and Olvanil,on Intraocular Pressure in Normotensive Rabbits

Purpose. To evaluate the effects of topically applied anandamide transport inhibitors, AM404 and olvanil, on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of normotensive rabbits. To determine if the ocular hypotension induced by topical anandamide (AEA) can be potentiated by co-administered AM404. Methods. Test compounds, in either hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (HP--CD) or propylene glycol, were administered unilaterally onto rabbit eyes. To determine if AM404 affects the IOP-profile of AEA, AM404 was administered ocularly 15 minutes before topical AEA. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) (24 mg/kg, s.c.) was given 30 min before AEA to prevent its catabolism. IOPs of the treated and untreated eyes were measured. The cannabinoid agonist activities of AM404 and olvanil were studied by using [³⁵S]GTPS autoradiography. Results. Topical AM404 (62.5 g), in HP--CD vehicle, decreased IOP significantly in treated eyes. AM404 (62.5 g) induced a significant IOP increase without subsequent decrease when given in propylene glycol vehicle. Olvanil (312.5 g) caused a significant IOP reduction without provoking an initial hypertensive phase. These compounds did not significantly affect the IOP of untreated eyes. Co-administered AM404 (125 g in HP--CD) had no significant effect on the IOP profile of AEA (62.5 g). Conclusions. Ocular administration of AM404 or olvanil decreased IOP in rabbits, although AM404 can provoke an initial ocular hypertension and did not potentiate the IOP responses induced by exogenous AEA.     

Role of Biantennary Glycans and Genetic Variants of Human α1-Acid Glycoprotein in Enantioselective Binding of Basic Drugs as Studied by High Performance Frontal Analysis/capillary Electrophoresis

Purpose. To establish a clear understanding of the role of biantennary branching glycans and genetic variants of ₁-acid glycoprotein (AGP) in enantioselective bindings of basic drug. Methods. Human native AGP was separated using concanavalin A affinity chromatography into two subfractions, the unretained fraction (UR-AGP, defect of biantennary glycan) and the retained fraction (R-AGP, possessing biantennary glycan(s)). Imminodiacetate-copper (II) affinity chromatography was used to separate human native AGP into A variant and a mixture of F1 and S variants (F1*S variants). The mixed solutions of the (R)- or (S)-isomer of the model drugs (15 M disopyramide (DP) or 30 M verapamil (VER)) and 40 M of respective AGP species were subjected to high-performance frontal analysis/capillary electrophoresis (HPFA/CE) to determine the unbound drug concentrations. Results. The unbound concentrations (Cu) of DP in UR-AGP solutions were lower than those in R-AGP solutions, whereas there was no significant difference in the enantiomeric ratios (Cu(R)/Cu(S)) of DP between UR- and R-AGP solutions. In case of genetic variant, the Cu(R)/Cu(S) values of DP in F1*S and A solutions were 1.07 and 2.37, respectively. On the other hand, the enantiomeric ratio of VER in F1*S and A variant solutions were 0.900 and 0.871, respectively. Conclusions. The biantennary glycan structures are related to binding affinity of DP to AGP, but not responsible for the enantioselectivity. Genetic variants give significant effect on the enantioselectivity in DP binding, but not in VER binding.     

Percutaneous Absorption of Biologically-Active Interferon-gamma in a Human Skin Graft-Nude Mouse Model

Purpose. Topical delivery has been suggested to reduce systemic side effects while targeting cytokines for the treatment of certain skin conditions. Liposomes have been proposed as an enhancing agent for such a delivery. We have tested the potential of liposomes to augment the uptake of biologically active recombinant human interferon-gamma (rhIFN-) into human skin lacking adnexa in an in vivo model. Methods. Stable grafts of human skin on nude mice were used to test aqueous formulations of rhIFN- containing or lacking liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. Transport of rhIFN- was assessed by monitoring the stimulated expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by keratinocytes by light-level immunomicroscopy and ELISA. Results. A single application of liposomal rhIFN- increased ICAM-1 levels in the epidermal basal and suprabasal cell layers of grafts. Continued application maintained this response. An aqueous formulation of rhIFN- or liposomes alone applied to grafts failed to induce an ICAM-1 response. Preliminary studies suggested that at least some of the lipids applied in the liposomal formulation also entered the epidermis. Conclusions. Using a nude mouse-human skin graft model lacking adnexa, we have demonstrated that a liposomal formulation can augment the uptake of a biologically-active human cytokine, rhIFN-, into the epidermis of viable human skin. The therapeutic application of topical IFN- delivery remains to be evaluated.     

Localization of Purine Metabolizing Enzymes in Bovine Brain Microvessel Endothelial Cells: An Enzymatic Blood-Brain Barrier for Dideoxynucleosides?

Purpose. The specific activities of the purine and pyrimidine metabolizing enzymes, purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), adenosine deaminase (ADA) and cytidine deaminase (CDA) were determined in bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BBMECs), whole cerebral tissue and erythrocytes. In addition, the substrate specificities (K_m and V_max) of purified calf spleen PNP for inosine and 2,3-dideoxyinosine (ddl) and of purified calf intestinal ADA for 2,3-dideoxyadenosine (ddA), 6-chloro-2,3-dideoxypurine (6-Cl-ddP), and 2--fluoro-2,3-dideoxyadenosine (F-ddA) have been explored. Methods. BBMECs were isolated from bovine cerebral cortex by a two step enzymatic dispersion treatment followed by centrifugation over 50% Percoll density gradients. Activities of alkaline phosphatase, -glutamyl transpeptidase, ADA, PNP and CDA were determined in various tissue homogenates (cerebral cortex, BBMECs and erythrocytes). Enzyme kinetic studies were also conducted using commercially available enzymes and several nucleoside analogs of interest. Results. The activities of ADA and PNP were 42-fold and 247-fold higher in the cerebral microvessels than in the cerebral cortex, respectively, while there was no detectable CDA activity in the microvessel fraction and very little overall activity in the cortex. Conclusions. ADA and PNP may serve as an enzymatic blood-brain barrier for some of the anti-HIV dideoxynucleosides. Simulations of brain availability for ddl, ddA, 6-Cl-ddP, and F-ddA demonstrated that the quantitative significance of enzyme localization may vary dramatically, however, depending on the membrane permeability of the drug and its bioconversion rate constant within the endothelial cell.     

Pulmonary Absorption of Insulin Mediated by Tetradecyl-β-Maltoside and Dimethyl-β-Cyclodextrin

Purpose. To determine if tetradecyl--maltoside (TDM) and dimethyl--cyclodextrin (DMCD) enhance pulmonary absorption of insulin and to investigate if they do so by a reversible action on respiratory epithelium. Methods. Insulin formulated with saline, TDM, or DMCD was administered intratracheally, after laryngoscopic visualization, as a spray to anesthetized rats. Reversibility studies were conducted in intact rats by administering insulin at different time points after administration of TDM or DMCD. The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of insulin formulations were assessed by measuring plasma glucose and plasma insulin concentrations. Results. When insulin formulated with increasing concentrations (0.06-0.25%) of TDM or DMCD were administered to anesthetized rats, there was a concentration-dependent decrease in plasma glucose and increase in plasma insulin concentrations. The relative bioavailability of insulin formulations containing TDM was higher (0.34-0.84%) than that of formulations containing DMCD (0.19-0.48%). When insulin was administered 120 min after an agent was administered, in the reversibility study, no significant change in plasma glucose and insulin levels occurred compared to control. Conclusions. Both TDM and DMBCD enhance pulmonary absorption of insulin, with TDM being more efficacious than DMCD in enhancing insulin absorption via pulmonary administration. The effects of TDM and DMCD on respiratory epithelium are reversible, and the epithelium reestablishes its normal physiologic barrier 120 min after exposure to these agents.     

Microdialysis Evaluation of the Ocular Pharmacokinetics of Propranolol in the Conscious Rabbit

Purpose. This study was conducted to assess the effects of anesthesia and aqueous humor protein concentrations on ocular disposition of propranolol. Methods. Rabbits were anesthetized and a microdialysis probe was inserted into the anterior chamber of one eye; the contralateral eye served as a control. At timed intervals after probe placement, a 100-l sample of aqueous humor was aspirated from each eye to determine protein concentration. In vitro protein binding parameters were used to simulate the impact of protein concentration on propranolol disposition. To assess the influence of anesthesia, probes were implanted in the anterior chamber of each eye. After >5-day stabilization, conscious and anesthetized rabbits (n = 3/group) received a 200-g topical dose of [³H] DL-propranolol in each eye; propranolol was assayed in probe effluent. Results. Changes in aqueous humor protein concentrations were observed following probe insertion. Simulations demonstrated that the unbound propranolol AUC (2.4-fold) in aqueous humor should be reduced due to protein influx. Intraocular propranolol exposure in anesthetized rabbits was 8-fold higher than in conscious rabbits, and 1.9-fold higher than in rabbits without a post-surgical recovery period. Conclusions. Anesthesia and time-dependent aqueous humor protein concentrations may alter ocular pharmacokinetics, and must be taken into account in the design of microdialysis experiments.     

Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant Human Interferon-βser in Healthy Volunteers and Its Effect on Serum Neopterin

The pharmacokinetics of and biologic response modification by recombinant human interferon-_ser (rIFN-_ser) were evaluated in 12 healthy male volunteers. Subjects received a single intravenous (iv) injection of 90 × 10⁶ IU of rIFN-_ser followed by a single or eight consecutive daily 90 × 10⁶ IU subcutaneous (sc) doses. Blood samples collected after the iv, first sc, and last sc doses and prior to each sc dose were assayed for interferon antiviral activity and the inter-feron-inducible marker neopterin. Following iv administration, serum interferon concentrations generally declined biexponentially, with a mean serum clearance of 0.76 ± 0.28 L/hr-kg, a mean steady-state volume of distribution of 2.88 ± 1.81 L/kg, and a mean terminal half-life of 4.29 ± 2.29 hr as determined by noncompartmental analysis. Following sc administration, absorption of rIFN-_ser was prolonged, with serum concentrations generally below 100 IU/mL. No accumulation of rIFN-_ser in serum was noted after eight daily sc injections. In contrast, serum neopterin levels did not increase above baseline levels until 12 hr after iv dosing and 24 hr after sc dosing. The mean increase in serum neopterin at 24 hr post iv injection was significantly greater than that at 24 hr post sc dosing.     

Drug- or hormone-induced adaptation: Model of adrenergic hypersensitivity

A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model of hypersensitivity to adrenergic stimulation following abrupt withdrawal of chronic blockade was developed. The model employs the Hill equation, a term which describes the competition between isoproterenol and l- propranolol for receptors, and a kinetic term which characterizes the appearance and disappearance rates of up-regulated receptors. The model predicted peak chronotropic hyperresponsiveness to isoproterenol 48 hr following abrupt withdrawal of chronic treatment with daily propranolol doses of 160 mg, and a drug half-life of 3.5 hr. The model also predicted that increasing the dose rate and prolonging the half-life of propranolol delayed and decreased the extent of adrenergic hypersensitivity. The time-course of adrenergic hypersensitivity simulated by our model was in excellent agreement with that observed in studies which were published earlier by our laboratory. The model underestimated the extent of adrenergic hypersensitivity. The results of our simulation are consistent with a agonist-receptor-effector system, which involves spare receptors, amplification of response by second and third messengers, and agonist-antagonist-induced receptor regulation.Glossary R Unoccupied receptor concentration - A Unbound agonist concentration surroundingR - RA Receptor-agonist complex concentration - k 1 Association rate constant - k 2 Dissociation rate constant - B receptor density - B _max Maximum receptor density - A ₅₀ A at which B/B_max is 0.5 - E Intensity of response - E _max Maximum intensity of response - Ce Unbound blood concentration of the agonist eutomer - Ce ₅₀ Ce at whichE/E _max is 0.5 - Slope of the response-concentration curve - e Dimensionless proportionality factor denoting power of agonist to produce a response - I Unbound antagonist concentration surroundingR - RI Receptor-antagonist complex concentration - KI Equilibrium dissociation constant ofRI - Ei Intensity of response to the agonist in presence of antagonist prior to up-regulation - Ci Unbound blood concentration of the antagonist - Ki Ci at whichEi/E _max is 0.5 - Cij Coefficient of theCi, time curve - i_j Slope of theCi, time curve - t Time following administration of the antagonist - N Number of doses of the antagonist administered - Dosing interval - Cb Blood concentration of the antagonist - fu Unbound fraction of antagonist in blood - B: P Blood to plasma ratio - B _max Sum of B_max and density of antagonist-induced up-regulated receptors - fr Fractional increase in receptor density, B_max B_max)/B_max - kd Disappearance rate constant of antagonist-induced up-regulated receptors - T Duration of antagonist treatment - t Time following withdrawal of antagonist treatment - E Intensity of response to agonist in presence of antagonist and up-regulated receptors - E _hr Heart rate in presence of isoproterenol - D_iso Dose of isoproterenol - Do25 Dose of isoproterenol which produces a 25-BPM increase in heart rate in absence of propranolol - HR Isoproterenol-induced change in heart rate in absence of propranolol - HR Isoproterenol-induced change in heart rate in presence of propranolol - S Slope of the D_iso -@#@ HR curve - INT Intercept of the D_iso-HR curve - HR _rest Resting heart rate - HR _para HR _rest under parasympathetic control - HR _sym HR ^rest under sympathetic control - Pin Percentage inhibition ofHR _sym induced by propranolol - Pin _max maximal fractional inhibition ofHR _sym induced by propranolol - E_hr Heart rate response to isoproterenol, when receptors are upregulated - R_hr Percentage change in isoproterenol-induced tachycardia above control Supported in part by a grant from the American Heart Association, Central Ohio Chapter.