The Liposome as a Model Membrane in Correlations of Partitioning with α-Adrenoceptor Agonist Activities

The apparent partition coefficients of a group of imidazoline -adrenoceptor agonists in liposome/buffer systems (K_m) and in the n-octanol/buffer system (P) have been compared in quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) employing biological activities and receptor binding affinities. A parabolic relationship between log K _m and log P was found, and log K _m was greater than log P for all liposome compositions. In liposomes, log K _m decreased in the order, negatively charged > neutral > positively charged. Overall, hyper- and hypotensive activities of these drugs correlated better with log K _m than with log P; however, poor correlations were obtained between partition coefficients and in vitro binding affinities. Linear correlations of log K _m with hypotensive activities were obtained with negatively charged liposomes, whereas correlations with hypertensive activities were obtained using positively charged liposomes. Multiple regressions of biological activities with binding affinities showed positive correlations with hypotensive but not hypertensive activities with or without the inclusion of log K _m or log P. Thus, the liposome represents a more selective model membrane system than a bulk oil phase for predicting the biological activities of imidazoline -adrenoceptor agonists.     

The Liposome Partitioning System for Correlating Biological Activities of Imidazolidine Derivatives

The partitioning of 10 imidazolidines in various liposome/buffer systems (log K _m) has been determined and compared to partitioning in the n-octanol/buffer system (log P). The log K _m, which was generally greater than the log P, increased or decreased upon the addition of dicetylphosphate (DCP) or stearylamine (STA), respectively, to dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) liposomes. Quantitative correlations of ₂-adrenergic potencies of imidazolidines have been made by regression analyses with log P, log K _m, binding affinity, and intrinsic activity. Both central and peripheral potencies correlated with log K _m but not with log P Multiple regressions yielded improved predictable quantification of these potencies. Thus, the liposomal membrane system shows certain advantages over the n-octanol/buffer system for the prediction of biological activities of the imidazolidines.     

Immobilized Artificial Membrane (lAM)-HPLC for Partition Studies of Neutral and Ionized Acids and Bases in Comparison with the Liposomal Partition System

Purpose. To study the partitioning of model acids ((RS)-warfarin and salicylic acid), and bases (lidocaine, (RS)-propranolol and diazepam), with immobilized artificial membrane (lAM)-HPLC, as compared to partitioning in the standardized phosphatidylcholine liposome/buffer system. Methods. The pH-dependent apparent partition coefficients D were calculated from capacity factors (k_IAM) obtained by IAM-HPLC, using a 11-carboxylundecylphosphocholine column. For lipophilic compounds k_IAM, values were determined with organic modifiers and extrapolation to 100% water phase (k_IAMw) was optimized. Temperature dependence was explored (23 to 45° C), and Gibbs free energy (G), partial molar enthalpy (H) and change in entropy (S) were calculated. Equilibrium dialysis was used for the partitioning studies with the liposome/buffer system. Results. For extrapolation of k_IAMw, linear plots were obtained both with the respective dielectric constants and the mole fractions of the organic modifier. All tested compounds showed a similar pH-D diagram in both systems; however, significant differences were reproducibly found in the pH range of 5 to 8. In all cases, G and H were negative, whereas S values were negative for acids and positive for bases. Conclusions. In both partitioning systems, D values decreased significantly with the change from the neutral to the charged ionization state of the solute. The differences found under physiological conditions, i.e. around pH 7.4, were attributed to nonspecific interactions of the drug with the silica surface of the IAM column.     

Pharmacokinetics of sulfametopyrazine (Kelfizine W) effects of a single oral dose

Summary The pharmacokinetics of sulfametopyrazine were studied for seven days after a single oral dose of 2 g. in healthy volunteers in order to establish its chemotherapeutic value. — The appearance and disappearance of the drug in the plasma were evaluated both for compounds with a free amino group and for total sulphonamides. The half-life and absorption, distribution, elimination and excretion coefficients were calculated, as well as the concentrations in plasma water and interstitial fluid. The estimated drug concentrations in the urine agreed with those calculated from the excretion coefficients. — In all subjects at the end of the seventh day the concentrations in all body compartments of active compounds exceeded the minimum required for a therapeutic effect. The highest concentrations found in the urine were always significantly lower than the drug's basal solubility at pH 5, thus excluding any risk of crystalluria.Glossary of symbols total binding capacity of plasma proteins for SMP - Specific gravity of blood ( Bl), and interstitial fluid (IF) - minimum inhibitory concentration for bacterial growth. Evaluation of against E. coli or other pathogenic bacteria in a medium free of antagonists [29] - ratio of dose interval to half-life - dose interval - safety factor. Proportionality constant between andc _min for a therapeutic efficacy of 95 per cent - fraction of the administered drug absorbed from the depot (gastrointestinal tract etc.) - distribution coefficient with respect to the drug concentration in blood plasma (ml/g) - D* initial dose of the drug - D maintenance dose - M molecular weight of the drug (280) - G weight of subject (kg) - F area between time axis and concentration curve (plotted c' values) - t _50% apparent biological half-life - w ¹ water content of plasma (ml/ml) - p protein concentration of plasma (pBl), or interstitial fluid (pIF) (g/l) - c _IF concentration in the interstitial fluid - C ₀ concentration in plasma at zero time after i.v. administration - c ₁ ⁰ concentration in plasma after oral absorption extrapolated to zero time - c ₁ concentration in plasma water of the drug with free amino function - c _min minimum inhibitory concentration needed in plasma water (minimum therapeutic concentration) - k ₀₁ rate constant for absorption - k ₁ rate constant for absorption determined at timet; (similarlyk₂) - K total elimination coefficient - k _el rate constant for elimination - k _F rate constant for formation of metabolites - k _D excretion coefficient of SMP with free amino function - k _U coefficient of metabolite excretion - D ₀ quantity of SMP in the body at time zero - D _B quantity of SMP in the body at timet - D _U quantity of SMP excreted in the urine at timet - M _F quantity of metabolites formed at timet - M _B quantity of metabolites present in the body at timet - M _U quantity of metabolites excreted in the urine at timet - K dissociation constant for the sulphonamide-protein complex - notation for quantities related to drug concentrations in plasma, e.g. c (corresponding term without refer to plasma water)     

Amino Acid Ester Prodrugs of Floxuridine: Synthesis and Effects of Structure,Stereochemistry, and Site of Esterification on the Rate of Hydrolysis

Purpose. To synthesize amino acid ester prodrugs of floxuridine (FUdR) and to investigate the effects of structure, stereochemistry, and site of esterification of promoiety on the rates of hydrolysis of these prodrugs in Caco-2 cell homogenates. Methods. Amino acid ester prodrugs of FUdR were synthesized using established procedures. The kinetics of hydrolysis of prodrugs was evaluated in human adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) homogenates and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. Results. 3-Monoester, 5-monoester, and 3,5-diester prodrugs of FUdR utilizing proline, L-valine, D-valine, L-phenylalanine, and D-phenylalanine as promoieties were synthesized and characterized. In Caco-2 cell homogenates, the L-amino acid ester prodrugs hydrolyzed 10 to 75 times faster than the corresponding D-amino acid ester prodrugs. Pro and Phe ester prodrugs hydrolyzed much faster (3- to 30-fold) than the corresponding Val ester prodrugs. Further, the 5-monoester prodrugs hydrolyzed significantly faster (3-fold) than the 3,5-diester prodrugs. Conclusions. Novel amino acid ester prodrugs of FUdR were successfully synthesized. The results presented here clearly demonstrate that the rate of FUdR prodrug activation in Caco-2 cell homogenates is affected by the structure, stereochemistry, and site of esterification of the promoiety. Finally, the 5-Val and 5-Phe monoesters exhibited desirable characteristics such as good solution stability and relatively fast enzymatic conversion rates.     

Rat diaphragm cyclic nucleotide-phosphodiesterase: Influence of drugs affecting skeletal muscle contractility

Summary In the present study a phosphodiesterase was partly purified from rat diaphragm and its properties as well as the effects of some drugs known to affect neuromuscular transmission were examined.The enzyme preparation had a pH optimum of 7.0–8.0 As for phosphodiesterase of other organs, the activity was dependent on Mg²⁺ and mainly located in the 100 000×g supernatant. It showed two apparent K _m values (6.4 and 390 M) for the cyclic adenosine-3,5-monophosphate hydrolysis. Various drugs inhibited diaphragm phosphodiesterase non-competitively in the following order of potency: eupaverine papaverine > 1-hexyl-3,7-dimethylxanthine > Ro 7-2956 > theophylline > d-tubocurarine > hydrochlorothiazide. Succinylcholine was ineffective.Of the cyclic nucleotides tested here only cyclic guanosine-3,5-monophosphate elicited an inhibiton at low concentrations (K _i=7M), while cyclic inosine-3,5-monophosphate and cyclic N₆-2-O-dibutyryl-adenosine-3,5-monophosphate inhibited only in high concentrations. Cyclic uridine-3,5-monophosphate did not inhibit phosphodiesterase. The type of inhibition was apparently competitive for cyclic N₆-2-O-dibutyryl-adenosine-3,5-monophosphate and cyclic guanosine-3,5-monophosphate, and non-competitive for cyclic inosine-3,5-monophosphate.The present findings on phosphodiesterase inhibitors agree well with our earlier results on the ability of these drugs (except d-tubocurarine) to increase muscular contractility. It is suggested that their mode of action might be facilitation of the release of acetylcholine from motor nerve endings via the accumulation of cyclic adenosine-3,5-monophosphate.     

Rat adrenal cyclic nucleotide-phosphodiesterase; Inhibition by drugs known to affect steroidogenesis

Summary A cyclic 3,5-nucleotide phosphodiesterase from rat adrenals was partially purified. The enzyme preparation had a pH optimum at 7.5, the activity being dependent on Mg²⁺, similar to the enzyme in other organs. Adenosine 3,5-monophosphate, guanosine 3,5-monophosphate and inosine 3,5-monophosphate were about equally well degradated (K _m 0.1 mM), while 2-O-deoxy-adenosine 3,5-monophosphate and tubercidin 3,5-monophosphate had a considerably higher K _m. In contrast to rat adipose tissue, rat adrenal phosphodiesterase did not hydrolyse uridine 3,5-monophosphate. Adrenal phosphodiesterase was inhibited competitively by methylxanthines, papaverine and eupaverin, eupaverin being the most potent inhibitor. Adenosine, its phenylisopropyl-analogue and metabolic products of adenosine inhibited adrenal phosphodiesterase, but were considerably less potent than methylxanthines or papaverine. All inhibitors tested are able to affect either spontaneous and/or stimulated synthesis of corticosteroids in rat adrenals as shown elsewhere. The data obtained with adrenal phosphodiesterase do not allow the conclusion that inhibition of this enzyme can be correlated with effects on steroidogenesis.Part of this work has been presented at the 12. Frühjahrstagung der Deutschen Pharmakologischen Gesellschaft (Klotz et al., 1971).     

Relationship of metabolism of 2′-, 3′- and 5′-adenine nucleotides to presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release in rat vas deferens

Summary In the isolated rat vas deferens stimulated at 0.2 Hz, a series of 2, 3-, and 5-substituted adenine nucleotides all inhibited the twitch responses, their actions being potentiated by the nucleoside transport inhibitors, HNBTGR, NBMPR and dipyridamole.The metabolism of these nucleotides was examined utilising HPLC analysis of the bathing medium after exposure to 30 M nucleoside or nucleotide for 5 min. 5-AMP, 5-ADP, 5-ATP, and NAD⁺ were all partially hydrolysed to adenosine, the relative extent of this being 5-AMP>5-ADP=5-ATPNAD⁺. However, the other nucleotides examined were not detectably converted to adenosine or to adenosine deamination products.These results indicate that the 2-, 3- and 5-substituted nucleotides studied act at a P₁-purinoceptor in rat vas deferens to inhibit neurotransmission and, with the exception of 5-AMP, 5-ADP, 5-ATP and NAD⁺, all appear to act directly at this receptor. However, the 5-adenine nucleotides (AMP, ADP and ATP) and NAD⁺ all appear to act at least partially indirectly subsequent to their hydrolysis to adenosine.Abbreviations. The following abbreviations are used ADA adenosine deaminase (EC 3.5.4.4) - 5-ADP adenosine 5-diphosphate - 2,5-ADP adenosine 2,5-diphosphate - 3 5-ADP, adenosine 3,5-diphosphate - 2-, 3 or 5-AMP adenosine 2-, 3-, or 5-monophosphate - 5-ATP adenosine 5-triphosphate - cNADP⁺ -nicotinamide dinucleotide 2,3-cyclic monophosphate - CoA coenzyme A - HNBTGR 6-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-thioguanosine - NAD⁺ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - NADP⁺ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate - NBMPR 6-(4-nitrobenzylthio)-purine riboside     

Der Einfluß von Hydrochlorothiazid und anderen sulfonamidierten Diuretica auf die 3′,5′-AMP-Phosphodiesterase-Aktivität in der Rattenniere

Summary Vasopressin has been reported to accelerate the conversion of adenosine triphosphate to cyclic 3,5-AMP by stimulating the activity of the adenyl cyclase. According to the view of Orloff and Handler cyclic 3,5-AMP is responsible for the augmentation of osmotic water flow. The cyclic nucleotide ist degraded by the enzyme 3,5-AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) to 5-AMP. Inhibition of this enzyme by theophylline results in an increase in the concentration of 3,5-AMP and a concomittant increase in osmotic water flow, as shown in the urinary bladder of the toad (Bufo marinus).The experiments presented in this paper derived from a previous observation that furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide inhibit PDE. Both diuretics have been shown to reduce renal PDE activity when injected i.v. to rats in a dose of 25 mg/kg. Following injection of furosemide PDE activity has been found reduced only in the cortex, the effect of hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to be restricted to the inner medulla.Studies on the subcellular distribution of renal PDE revealed two fractions, one third of total activity bound to large particles, probably cell membranes, two third soluble in the hyaloplasm. The two fractions of the enzyme differ in their k _m-value for 3,5-AMP. Subcellular distribution and k _m-values of PDE in the liver have been found to be identical with those in the kidney.Hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to affect both fractions of renal PDE. Because of the restriction of the action of furosemide to the renal cortex no attempt was made to differentiate the effect of the compound with respect to its subcellular localization. Accumulation of 3,5-AMP caused by an impaired degradation of the nucleotide in this region could lead to an increase in the permeability of the distal convoluted tubules to water. As the difference in the osmotic pressure between distal tubular fluid and the surrounding interstitial fluid is relatively small, the increase in water permeability can only result in a small increase in tubular water reabsorption. In view of hydrochlorothiazide reducing PDE activity in the inner medulla and the high difference in the osmotic pressure between the fluid in the collecting tubules and the interstitial fluid it is suggested that a hydrochlorothiazide induced increase in water permeability results in a high increase in water rea-absorption, especially in diabetes insipidus where there is a low osmolarity of the tubular fluid in the collecting duct with an unimpaired cortico-papillary osmotic gradient. This corresponds to the paradoxical antidiuretic effect of diuretics in the treatment of diabetes insipidus centralis and renalis, especially after diuretic induced sodium depletion and reduction of the osmolarity of tubular fluid resulting in an increased osmotic difference between fluids within collecting ducts and interstitium.

Am 31. Oktober 1967 verstorben.     

Dehydro-digitoxosides of digitoxigenin and digoxigenin: Binding to beef heart (Na++K+)-ATPase in relation to unchanged digitoxosides

Summary Dehydro-digitoxosides are metabolites of digitalis glycosides. In order to study their possible biological activity their affinity to (Na⁺+K⁺)-activated ATPase was determined and compared with unchanged glycosides. Based on the dissociation constants of glycoside-enzyme-complexes, the affinity of the dehydro-digitoxosides ranged in the same order of magnitude as that of the native glycosides. Comparing mono-, bis-, and tris-digitoxosides of digitoxigenin (dt-1, dt-2, dt-3) and of digoxin (dg-1, dg-2, dg-3) with the corresponding dehydrodigitoxosides (3-dehydro-dt-1, 9-dehydro-dt-2, 15-dehydro-dt-3, 3-dehydro-dg-1 and 9-dehydro-dg-2, respectively) the dehydro-digitoxosides had lower affinities to the enzyme. The highest dissociation constants (K _D)were found for 3-dehydro-dt-1 and 3-dehydro-dg-1. The half maximal inhibition of (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase activity (I₅₀) corresponded to affinity measurements in all but two cases: dehydro-dt-3 and dehydro-dt-2 showed very low I₅₀ values.     

Peptide Carrier-Mediated Transport in Intestinal Brush Border Membrane Vesicles of Rats and Rabbits: Cephradine Uptake and Inhibition

The uptake kinetics of cephradine, an amino--lactam antibiotic, were studied in rat and rabbit intestinal brush border membrane vesicles preparations using both the Ca²⁺ and the Mg²⁺ methods of preparation, in the presence of an inward proton gradient. The Ca²⁺ method demonstrated greater uptake of cephradine in intestinal brush border vesicles prepared from both rat and rabbit and was used for these studies. The transport was observed to be of Michaelis–Menten carrier-mediated type with a passive transport component. The kinetic parameters obtained were as follows: for rat and rabbit, respectively, K _m, 1.6 and 1.9 mM; J _max, 1.7 and 20.7 nmol/mg/min; P _c (= J _max/K _m), 1.1 and 10.9 µL/mg/min; and P _m, 0.4 and 0.8 µL/mg/min. The kinetic parameters for the rat vesicles are consistent with those from our previous perfusion study using a conversion factor of 0.71 cm²/mg protein. The rabbit vesicles exhibited a similar Michaelis constant and a 10-fold larger maximal transport velocity, suggesting a quantitative advantage for the study of carrier-mediated transport in the rabbit compared to rat vesicles from the intestine. Cephradine uptake was inhibited by phenylpropionylproline, a proline derivative, and enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, which do not have an -amino group, as well as dipeptides, tripeptides, and amino--lactam antibiotics in both rat and rabbit vesicles. These results support the suggestion that they share the same peptide carrier pathway for oral absorption and that the vesicles may be a useful tool in developing orally effective peptide-type drugs.     

Effects of p,p′-DDE and some other chlorinated hydrocarbons on the formation of prostaglandins by the avian eggshell gland mucosa

Some structurally related chlorinated hydrocarbons were investigated for their effects on the production of prostaglandins by the eggshell gland mucosa of ducks and domestic fowl. Formation of PGF₂, PGE₂ and TxB₂ by homogenates of domestic fowl eggshell gland mucosa was significantly inhibited by in vitro addition of p,p-DDE, Arochlor 1242 and, to a lesser extent, Arochlor 1260, but not by p,p-DDT and o,p-DDE. Comparatively, in duck eggshell gland mucosa homogenates, synthesis of the same prostaglandins was somewhat more sensitive to inhibition by 5 M p,p-DDE added in vitro. Eggshell gland mucosa synthesized significantly more PGF₂, PGE₂ and TxB₂ than did the mucosa of the magnum and isthmus regions of the oviduct. Duck eggshell gland mucosa homogenates synthesized significantly more prostaglandins than similar homogenates from the domestic fowl, and, considering the former synthesis of PGF₂ was significantly higher when ducks were slaughtered at 08:00 than at 16:00 hours. In ducks, dietary administration of 40 ppm, p,p-DDE for 45 days resulted in 21% eggshell thinning compared to the contemporary control values. This treatment also resulted in notable effects in homogenates of the eggshell gland mucosa, as compared to controls: Ca²⁺ uptake was reduced by 43%, synthesis of PGF₂, PGE₂ and TxB₂ was reduced by 26%, 38% and 53%, respectively; the Ca content was increased to 145%. The role of p,p-DDE in inhibiting prostaglandin formation in the eggshell gland is discussed as a mechanism of the eggshell thinning action of this chlorinated hydrocarbon.     

Metabolism and presynaptic inhibitory activity of 2′,3′ and 5′-adenine nucleotides in rat vas deferens

Summary In the isolated rat vas deferens stimulated at 0.2 Hz, [¹⁴C]labelled 5-AMP, 5-ADP and 5-ATP (10 M) inhibited twitch responses, were broken down to [¹⁴C]adenosine in the medium and incorporated into [¹⁴C]adenine ribonucleotides in the tissue. Pretreatment of tissues with 6-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-thioguanosine (NBTGR), a potent inhibitor of adenosine transport, potentiated the presynaptic inhibitory action of these 5 nucleotides and reduced their incorporation in [¹⁴C]adenine nucleotides, but did not alter the appearance of [¹⁴C]adenosine in the medium.A series of 2, 3 and 5-substituted adenine nucleotides (10 M) inhibited the twitch responses of the vas deferens stimulated at 0.2 Hz. This effect was potentiated by NBTGR. Addition of exogenous adenosine deaminase very significantly reduced the inhibitory actions of adenosine, 5-AMP, 5-ADP and 5-ATP and also reduced those of 2, 5-ADP, NAD⁺ and dePCoA. The inhibitory actions of the other 2, 3 and 5 adenine nucleotides studied were not altered by exogenous adenosine deaminase.These results indicated that the presynaptic inhibitory actions of 5-AMP, 5-ADP and 5-ATP in rat vas deferens predominantly result from their prior hydrolysis to adenosine whereas the 2, 3 and 5-substituted adenine nucleotides appear to act mainly directly to inhibit transmitter release.Abbreviations. The following abbreviations are used 5-ADP 5-adenosine diphosphate - 2,5-ADP 2,5-adenosine diphosphate - 3,5-ADP 3,5-adenosine diphosphate - 2,3 or 5-AMP 2,3 or 5-adenosine monophosphate - 5-ATP 5-adenosine triphosphate - CoA coenzyme A - 2,3-cAMP 2,3-cyclic adenosine monophosphate - cNADP⁺ -nicotinamide dinucleotide 2,3-cyclic monophosphate - dePCoA dephosphocoenzyme A - NAD⁺ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - NADP⁺ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate - NBTGR 6-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-thioguanosine - oxid CoA oxidized-coenzyme A     

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.     

Metabolism of3H-digoxin and some acetyl-digoxins: Time-dependent formation of hydrophilic metabolites after oral application in man

Summary After oral administration of³H-digoxin,³H-(= 16)-acetyldigoxin,³H-(=15)-acetyldigoxin and³H-(15,16)-diacetyldigoxin water-soluble metabolites have been found in the urine of three persons. A maximum is reached after 4–5 h. These metabolites are very polar and are not identical with neither digoxigenin nor with its mono- and bis-digitoxosides.     

A kinetic investigation of the pulmonary metabolism of dopamine in rats shows marked differences compared with noradrenaline

The aim of this study was to investigate the deamination of dopamine in the intact pulmonary circulation of isolated lungs of the rat. The first part of the study showed that dopamine is not converted to noradrenaline by dopamine--hydroxylase (DBH) when dopamine is perfused through isolated lung preparations with monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibited. Hence, it was not necessary to inhibit DBH in subsequent experiments.The metabolite profile for deamination of dopamine in the lungs was examined by determining whether MAO and semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidases (SSAO) contribute to the deamination of dopamine (and noradrenaline), and by determining the activity of MAO (k_MAO) for the metabolism of dopamine. Lungs were perfused with I nmol/l ³H-dopamine or ³H-noradrenaline with COMT inhibited and, in experiments to determine the contribution of SSAO to deamination, with MAO inhibited. Inhibition of MAO reduced the deamination of dopamine and noradrenaline by 99.8% and 98.6%, respectively, indicating that MAO, and not SSAO, was responsible for deamination of the catecholamines in the lungs. The k_MAO value for deamination of dopamine was 3.89 min^–1. Further experiments were carried out to determine the contributions of MAO-A and MAO-B to the deamination of dopamine in lungs perfused with 1 nmol/l ³H-dopamine and 100 nmol/1 lazabemide or 300 nmol/I Ro41-1049, respectively. The values of k_MAO-A and k_MAO-B were 3.05 min^–1 and 0.626 min^–1, respectively.It was concluded that, in rat lungs, MAO-A contributed 78–84% and MAO-B 16–22% to the total deamination of dopamine and SSAO had no significant role in its pulmonary metabolism. These relative contributions of MAO-A and MAO-B to the deamination of dopamine are very similar to those that have been determined previously for noradrenaline, but the rate constant for deamination of dopamine is 26-fold greater than that for noradrenaline in rat lungs.Abbreviations COMT Catechol-O-methyltransferase - DBH Dopamine-\-hydroxylase - DOPEG 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol - DOMA 3,4-dihydroxyman delic acid - DOPAC 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid - DOPET 3,4-dihydroxphenylethanol - ECS Extracellular space - K_m Michaelis or half-saturation constant - k_COMT Rate constant for O-methylation by COMT - k_deam Rate constant for total deamination - k_MAO Rate constant for deamination by MAO - MAO Monoamine oxidase - MB-COMT Membrane-bound COMT - SSAO Semicarbazidesensitive amine oxidases - S-COMT Soluble COMT - T/M Tissue to medium concentration ratio of dopamine or noradrenaline - V_max Maximal rate - V_{st - st} Steady-state rate of metabolite formation     

Freeze-Concentration Separates Proteins and Polymer Excipients Into Different Amorphous Phases

Purpose. To study the miscibility of proteins and polymer excipients in frozen solutions and freeze-dried solids as protein formulation models. Methods. Thermal profiles of frozen solutions and freeze-dried solids containing various proteins (lysozyme, ovalbumin, BSA), nonionic polymers (Ficoll, polyvinylpyrrolidone [PVP]), and salts were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The polymer miscibility was determined from the glass transition temperature of maximally freeze-concentrated solute (T_g) and the glass transition temperature of freeze-dried solid (T_g). Results. Frozen Ficoll or PVP 40k solutions showed T_g at –22°C, while protein solutions did not show an apparent T_g. All the protein and nonionic polymer combinations (5% w/w, each) were miscible in frozen solutions and presented single T_gs that rose with increases in the protein ratio. Various salts concentration-dependently lowered the single T_gs of the proteins and Ficoll combinations maintaining the mixed amorphous phase. In contrast, some salts induced the separation of the proteins and PVP combinations into protein-rich and PVP-rich phases among ice crystals. The T_gs of these polymer combinations were jump-shifted to PVP's intrinsic T_g at certain salt concentrations. Freeze-dried solids showed varied polymer miscibilities identical to those in frozen solutions. Conclusions. Freeze-concentration separates some combinations of proteins and nonionic polymers into different amorphous phases in a frozen solution. Controlling the polymer miscibility is important in designing protein formulations.     

Dehydro-digitoxosides of digitoxigenin: Formation and importance for the digitoxin metabolism in the rat

Summary Only in the presence of NADPH and oxygen digitoxosides of digitoxigenin can be metabolized by rat liver microsomes. The metabolism includes 12-hydroxylation, formation of digitoxosides less the terminal digitoxose and of lipophilic metabolites. The lipophilic metabolites of digitoxin (dt-3), digitoxigeninbis-digitoxoside (dt-2), and of — mono-digitoxoside (dt-1) are formed by oxidation of the axial OH-group of the terminal digitoxosyl yielding the corresponding dehydro-digitoxosides. The structure could be confirmed by comparison with the synthetic compounds 15-dehydro-dt-3, 9-dehydro-dt-2, and 3-dehydro-dt-1, respectively.The terminal dehydro-digitoxosyl can be split off by liver microsomes even in the absence of NADPH. However, no further cleavage of the resulting digitoxosides could be detected. A cleavage rate of 2.8 nmoles/mg microsomal protein × 30 min was observed for both 15-dehydro-dt-3 and 9-dehydro-dt-2 (substrate concentration 50 M). In contrast to that, only 0.4 nmole 3-dehydro-dt-1 was cleaved under equal conditions. For the cleavage of 15-dehydro-dt-3 an apparent K _m of 200 M and a V _max of 440 pmoles dt-2 formed per mg microsomal protein x min was measured.Our results indicate that not the native but only the dehydro-digitoxosides can be cleaved. Therefore, two successive monoxygenase catalysed oxidations are necessary for the cleavage of the sugar chain of dt-3 before dt-1, the main substrate of conjugation enzymes, can be formed. Moreover, digitoxigenin will not be formed because of the high stability of 3-dehydro-dt-1.     

Effect of Coadministered Uridine on Intestinal First-Pass Metabolism of 5′-Deoxy-5-Fluorouridine in Conscious Rats—An Evaluation by Method of Portal-Systemic Concentration Difference

Purpose. The effect of uridine (UR) coadministration on the intestinal metabolism from 5-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5-DFUR) to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was evaluated by a method of concentration difference between portal and systemic bloods in conscious rats (PS method). Methods. 5-DFUR (100 mg/kg) alone (Group A), or 5-DFUR + UR (100 mg/kg each) (Group B) was orally administered to conscious rats. The portal and arterial bloods were simultaneously withdrawn from two canulas at appropriate time intervals, and blood concentrations of 5-DFUR, 5-FU, UR and uracil (U) were assayed by HPLC. The concentration-time profiles of these drugs and its metabolites were analyzed by local moment analysis. Results. UR coadministration made the local absorption ratio (F_a) of 5-DFUR decrease significantly from 60.1 ± 10.5% to 38.0 ± 18.6% of dose. Though the local absorption ratios (F_a ^m) of the metabolite (5-FU) were the same between Group A and Group B (8.3 ± 1.9 and 8.7 ± 4.0% of 5-DFUR, respectively), AUC of arterial 5-FU in Group B was 5 times greater than that in Group A. UR was not detected in the portal blood, and F_a ^m of U was estimated to be 41.9 ± 26.8% of UR in Group B. Conclusions. It is predicted that a large portion of 5-FU generated from 5-DFUR is further degraded in the intestine in Group A, and U generated from UR blocks 5-FU degradation in the intestine and the systemic circulation in Group B.     

Enhanced Delivery of 5-Iodo-2′-Deoxyuridine to the Brain Parenchyma

5-Ester derivatives of 5-iodo-2-deoxyuridine (IDU) with varying degrees of lipophilicity were examined to evaluate the effectiveness of lipophilic ester prodrugs for enhanced and sustained delivery of IDU to the brain parenchyma. Approximately 1.0% (1.0 ± 0.19; n = 4) of the total radioactivity was found in the brain at 30 min following intravenous administration of the lipophilic benzoyl-5-ester of ¹²⁵I-labeled IDU, whereas IDU per se yielded only 0.01% (0.01 ± 0.06; n = 4). Since the IDU 5-esters generated significantly higher levels of IDU in the brain, an HPLC analysis of IDU in the presence of 5-esters and the metabolite 5-iodouracil was developed to characterize IDU uptake in the brain. The drug was detected at levels of 6.6 and 9.5 µg/g of brain tissue at 3 hr following intravenous administration of valeryl and benzoyl IDU, respectively, at a dose level of 40 mg/kg IDU equivalent each. IDU, on the other hand, when injected at a similar dose level, produced concentration levels below 0.01 µg/g of brain tissue, which was too low to be detected accurately by the HPLC assay. These results suggest that the 5-ester derivatives cross the blood-brain barrier effectively and generate significantly higher brain levels of the parent drug in the brain parenchyma. The regenerated hydrophilic drug because of its polarity is locked in the brain and is subsequently metabolized by pyrimidine phosphorylase to 5-iodouracil. A higher concentration of IDU was generated following administration of the benzoyl ester probably because the ester itself is slowly hydrolyzed by the brain cholinesterases, thereby competitively inhibiting the metabolism of IDU to 5-iodouracil by brain pyrimidine phosphorylase. 5-Benzoyl IDU appears to be a promising bioreversible analogue which can provide enhanced and sustained delivery of IDU to the brain parenchyma.