Comparison of pharmacokinetics and drug release in tissues after transarterial chemoembolization with doxorubicin using diverse lipiodol emulsions and CalliSpheres Beads in rabbit livers

CalliSpheres^® Beads (CB) is the first drug-eluting bead (DEB) product in China. Our aim was to compare the effect on the pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin (DOX) and its local concentration between lipiodol emulsions and CB in the process of TACE in rabbit livers. Twenty-five rabbits were distributed into two groups; Group 1 received lipiodol emulsions with DOX, and Group 2 received CB loaded with DOX (CBDOX). DOX was measured in the peripheral blood at different times after treatment. Livers were sampled at 1 week and 1 month for Group 2 after embolization. DOX concentration and distribution were measured in the liver. The administration of DOX by TACE with CBDOX resulted in peripheral blood DOX concentrations of 39.85?±?13.86?ng/mL at 5?min, with a gradual decrease to 6.89?±?1.62?ng/mL at 24?h, after treatment. Plasma concentration of DOX after chemoembolization with lipiodol was 225.91?±?64.88?ng/mL at 5?min and decreased with time by 24?h to 5.06?±?0.48?ng/mL. In CBDOX group, the drug impregnated an area as far as 200?μm from the bead edge. The tissue concentration of doxorubicin (tissC_DOX) ranged from 40.27?μg/mL to 245.70?μg/mL at 1 week and from 5.64?μg/mL to 28.09?μg/mL at 1 month. Plasma concentrations of DOX resulting from CBDOX embolization were significantly lower than that for cTACE. CB could deliver relatively high concentrations of DOX to an area as far as 200?μm from the bead edge for at least 1 month.     

Pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of DMXBA (GTS-21), a compound enhancing cognition

DMXBA (3-(2, 4-dimethoxybenzylidene)-anabaseine, also known as GTS-21) is currently being tested as a possible pharmacological treatment of cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. In this study, plasma and brain pharmacokinetics as well as urinary excretion of this compound have been evaluated in adult rats. DMXBA concentrations were determined by HPLC. Following a 5 mg kg⁻¹ iv dose, DMXBA plasma concentration declined bi-exponentially with mean (±SE) absorption and elimination half-lives of 0.71±0.28 and 3.71±1.12 h, respectively. The apparent steady state volume of distribution was 2150±433 mL kg⁻¹, total body clearance was 1480±273 mL h⁻¹ kg⁻¹, and AUC_0–∞ was 3790±630 ng h mL⁻¹. Orally administered DMXBA was rapidly absorbed. After oral administration of 10 mg kg⁻¹, a peak plasma concentration of 1010±212 ng mL⁻¹ was observed at 10 min after dosing. Elimination half-life was 1.740±0.34 h, and AUC_0–∞ was 1440±358 ng h mL⁻¹. DMXBA peak brain concentration after oral administration was 664±103 ng g⁻¹ tissue, with an essentially constant brain–plasma concentration ratio of 2.61±0.34, which indicates that the drug readily passes across the blood–brain barrier. Serum protein binding was 80.3±1.1%. Apparent oral bioavailability was 19%. Renal clearance (21.8 mL h⁻¹ kg⁻¹) was less than 2% of the total clearance (1480±273 mL h⁻¹ kg⁻¹); urinary excretion of unchanged DMXBA over a 96 h period accounted for only 0.28±0.03% of the total orally administered dose. Our data indicates that DMXBA oral bioavailability is primarily limited by hepatic metabolism. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Scutellarin protects against doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity and regulates its accumulation in the heart

The clinical use of doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by its dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. The present study investigated the effects of scutellarin against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats using pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic approaches. DOX (20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) as a single dose, and scutellarin (5 mg/kg/day) was injected intravenously (i.v.) for 3 days. Rats treated with DOX showed acute cardiotoxicity as indicated by the elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (4057.8 ± 107.2 vs. 2032.7 ± 70.95), tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) level (2.083 ± 0.10 vs. 1.103 ± 0.09), cardiac troponin T (cTnT) concentration (0.1695 ± 0.0114 ng/mL), the decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (47.75 ± 15.79 vs. 78.72 ± 7.25) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) (20.66 ± 8.06 vs. 43.7 ± 6.76) compared with those of the control group. Cotreatment with scutellarin significantly decreased the LDH activity (2595.9 ± 72.73), MDA level (1.380 ± 0.06), cTnT concentration (0.0222 ± 0.0041 ng/m L), increased LVEF (76.70 ± 3.91) and LVFS (40.28 ± 3.68). Histopathological studies showed disruption of cardiac tissues in the DOX groups. Cotreatment with scutellarin reduced the damage to cardiac tissues. In the pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study, scutellarin reduced the heart tissue exposure to DOX but did not change the AUC of plasma. These results suggest that scutellarin can protect against DOX-induced acute cardiotoxicity through its antioxidant activity and alterations of heart concentrations.     

GLUCURONIDATION OF DIFLUNISAL, (−)-MORPHINE, 4-NITROPHENOL,AND PROPOFOL IN LIVER MICROSOMES OF TWO PATIENTS WITH CRIGLER–NAJJAR SYNDROME TYPE I

In vitro glucuronidation was studied in liver microsomes from two patients with Crigler–Najjar type I (CN-I) disease and compared with the activity measured in microsomes prepared from six control human livers. The UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activity was determined toward the following substrates: 4-nitrophenol, propofol, (−)-morphine (formation of the 3-glucuronide), and diflunisal (formation of the phenolic and acyl glucuronides). Glucuronidation of 4-nitrophenol was reduced in one of the CN-I livers (CN-I No. 1) (0·9 nmol min⁻¹ mg⁻¹) and normal in the other CN-I liver (CN-I No. 2) (3.5 nmol min⁻¹ mg⁻¹) compared to the control livers (5·6±2·9 nmol min⁻¹ mg⁻¹, mean±S.D.). Propofol glucuronidation was not detectable (i.e. less than 0·100 nmol min⁻¹ mg⁻¹) in the CN-I No. 1 liver and normal in the CN-I No. 2 liver (1·78 nmol min⁻¹ mg⁻¹ against 1·52±0·72 nmol min⁻¹ mg⁻¹ in the control livers). The glucuronidation of (−)-morphine to the 3-glucuronide and the formation of the phenolic and acyl glucuronides of diflunisal were normal in both CN-I livers compared to the control livers. Our results show that CN-I patients are heterogeneous regarding UGT activity toward the phenolic substances 4-nitrophenol and propofol.     

In vivo effect of oracin on doxorubicin reduction,biodistribution and efficacy in Ehrlich tumor bearing mice

BackgroundThe limitation of carbonyl reduction represents one possible way to increase the effectiveness of anthracycline doxorubicin (DOX) in cancer cells and decrease its toxicity in normal cells. In vitro, isoquinoline derivative oracin (ORC) inhibited DOX reduction and increased the antiproliferative effect of DOX in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, ORC significantly decreases DOX toxicity in non-cancerous MCF-10A breast cells and in hepatocytes. The present study was designed to test in mice the in vivo effect of ORC on plasma and tissue concentrations of DOX and its main metabolite DOXOL. The effect of ORC on DOX efficacy in mice bearing solid Ehrlich tumors (EST) was also studied.MethodsDOX and DOX + ORC combinations were iv administered to healthy mice. Blood samples, livers and hearts were collected during the following 48 h. DOX and DOXOL concentrations were assayed using HPLC. The mice with inoculated EST cells were treated repeatedly iv with DOX and DOX + ORC combinations, and the growth of tumors was monitored.ResultsORC in combination with DOX significantly decreased DOXOLplasma concentrations during four hours after administration, but this significantly affected neither DOX plasma concentrations nor DOX or DOXOLconcentrations in the liver and heart at any of intervals tested. In EST bearing mice, ORC did not significantly affect DOX efficacy on tumor growth. However, EST was shown to be an improper model for the testing of ORC efficacy in vivo, as ORC did not inhibit DOXOL formation in EST.ConclusionsIn vivo, ORC was able to retard DOXOLformation but was not able to improveDOXefficacy in EST-bearing mice.     

Pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition of danofloxacin in sheep

The plasma pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin administered at 1.25 mg kg⁻¹ body weight by the intravenous and intramuscular routes were determined in sheep. Tissue distribution was also determined following administration by the intramuscular route at 1.25 mg kg⁻¹ body weight. Danofloxacin had a large volume of distribution at steady state (V_ss) of 2.76±0.16 h (mean±S.E.M.) L kg⁻¹, an elimination half-life (t_1/2β) of 3.35±0.23 h, and a body clearance (C1) of 0.63±0.04 L kg⁻¹ h⁻¹. Following intramuscular administration it achieved a maximum concentration (C_max) of 0.32±0.02 μg mL⁻¹ at 1.23±0.34 h (t_max) and had a mean residence time (MRT) of 5.45±0.19 h. Danofloxacin had an absolute bioavailability (F) of 95.71±4.41% and a mean absorption time (MAT) of 0.81±0.20 h following intramuscular administration. Mean plasma concentrations of >0.06 μg mL⁻¹ were maintained for more than 8 h following intravenous and intramuscular administration. Following intramuscular administration highest concentrations were measured in plasma (0.43±0.04 μg mL⁻¹), lung (1.51±0.18 μg g⁻¹), and interdigital skin (0.64±0.18 μg g⁻¹) at 1 h, duodenal contents (0.81±0.40 μg mL⁻¹), lymph nodes (4.61±0.35 μg g⁻¹), and brain (0.06±0.00 μg mL⁻¹) at 2 h, jejunal (10.50±4.31 μg mL⁻¹) and ileal (5.25±1.67 μg mL⁻¹) contents at 4 h, and colonic contents (8.94±0.65 μg mL⁻¹) at 8 h. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

COMPARATIVE ABSORPTION OF BISMUTH IN SPRAGUE–DAWLEY RATS FOLLOWING ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF PREPARATIONS CONTAINING BISMUTH SUCROSE OCTASULFATE,BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE,AND BISMUTH SUBCITRATE

The absorption of bismuth from De-Nol (bismuth subcitrate, DN), Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate, PB) and bismuth sucrose octasulfate (BISOS) was examined in male Sprague–Dawley rats after a single oral dose of each compound (60 mg bismuth). Bismuth was analysed in blood, urine, kidney, brain, liver, and lung using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bismuth C_max averaged 18·4±11·6 ng mL⁻¹ for BISOS, 292±130 ng mL⁻¹ for DN, and 21·5±9·63 ng mL⁻¹ for PB. C_max was significantly lower for BISOS compared to DN (p <0·05) but not significantly different for BISOS compared to PB (p >0·05). Bismuth AUC was 1356±474 ng h⁻¹ mL⁻¹ for BISOS, 2129−452 ng h⁻¹ mL⁻¹ for DN, and 1824−919 ng h⁻¹ mL⁻¹ for PB, which indicated a lower extent of absorption from BISOS compared to DN. Kidney, liver, and lung levels of bismuth were also significantly lower for BISOS compared to DN (p <0·05). Bismuth urinary excretion was significantly lower for BISOS (0·04±0·02%) compared to DN (0·27±0·15%) but not significantly different compared to PB (0·07±·03%). These data suggest that the absorption of bismuth following oral administration of bismuth sucrose octasulfate is significantly lower than that from De-Nol and similar to that from Pepto-Bismol. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION AND DISPOSITION STUDIES OF METHOTREXATE IN RABBITS AND RATS

The absorption and disposition of methotrexate (MTX) in the plasma, synovial fluid (SF), skin, and muscle tissue were studied following administration of a topical MTX gel in rabbits and rats. In rabbits, MTX concentrations in the plasma increased steadily toward the peak (5·9 ± 2·8 ng mL⁻¹) which appeared at ∼2 h postdose and declined with the elimination half-life of 4·48 ± 1·74 h. At 1 h after the topical dose, the MTX concentrations in the skin (49·0 ± 19·8 μg g⁻¹), muscle (12·7 ± 3·3 ng g⁻¹), and SF (19·2 ± 10·1 ng g⁻¹) underneath the dosed stifle joint were significantly higher (p <0·05) than those of the untreated stifle joint, indicating the potential therapeutic value of topical delivery of MTX for rheumatoid arthritis. A large fraction (∼59%) of MTX which was found in the skin at 1 h postdose was present in the stratum corneum, indicating its extensive binding capacity for MTX. The MTX concentrations in the muscle and SF of the dosed stifle joint at 1 h postdose were 1·8 and 2·6 times higher than those in the dosed elbow joint, respectively, reflecting the effect of dose site on the permeation of MTX. Using a new filter paper method, the amounts of SF obtained from the elbow and stifle joints of four rabbits were 26·3 ± 8·3 and 48·8 ± 5·2 mg, respectively. A significant enhancer effect of N,N -diethyl-n -toluamide (DEET) on the disposition of MTX in the stratum corneum of rabbit ear was observed (p < 0·05) by the tape-stripping method. In rats, the gel containing 4% DEET resulted in a twofold increase in the permeation of MTX into the muscle over the 4 h period postdose. A modified HPLC method with a linear calibration curve (r > 0·999) over the range of 2–50 ng mL⁻¹, quantitation limit of 0·5 ng mL⁻¹, and mean recovery of ∼87% was used for the quantitation of MTX in the tissue and fluid samples. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Measurement of Caffeine Concentration in Scalp Hair as an Indicator of Liver Function

Caffeine concentration in plasma and scalp hair has been determined for subjects consuming normal daily amounts of caffeine and the results used as an indicator of individual hepatic metabolic capacity. Daily exposure to caffeine was assessed in six healthy Japanese volunteers by direct HPLC measurement of the concentrations of caffeine in aliquots of all caffeine-containing beverages consumed by the subjects. The measurements were repeated on three different occasions for each subject and caffeine consumption (mean ± s.d.) was calculated as 178.0 ± 84.3 mg day^?1 with an intra-individual variability of 23.8 ± 6.3% as coefficient of variation. A survey of daily caffeine consumption in 121 adult Japanese by means of a questionnaire revealed a similar value (231.8 ± 177.8 mg day^?1). Caffeine concentration in the plasma sampled during an overnight caffeine-free interval was measured by HPLC and a comparison made between healthy subjects and patients with liver disease (0.71 ± 0.32, 0.77 ± 0.45 and 3.92 ± 1.91 μg mL^?1 for healthy volunteers (n = 6), patients with hepatitis (n = 11) and those with liver cirrhosis (n = 4), respectively). Strands of scalp hair were collected from six healthy subjects and six patients with liver cirrhosis. Caffeine in hair was identified and measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after digestion of the hair matrix with protease and extraction of the caffeine with chloroform. Caffeine concentration in hair collected from patients with liver cirrhosis (26.5 ± 5.04 ng mg^?1 hair) was significantly higher than that in hair sampled from healthy subjects (7.21 ± 3.11 ng mg^?1). These findings suggest that the determination of caffeine concentration in the plasma and hair of subjects consuming normal daily amounts of caffeine-containing beverages provides a practical assessment of individual liver metabolic capacity.     

多沙唑嗪以及阿夫唑嗪对映体对小鼠离体心房心率和收缩力的影响

目的分析多沙唑嗪以及阿夫唑嗪的光学异构体及其外消旋体与药物调节小鼠离体心房心率和心肌收缩力效应的关系。方法制备小鼠离体左心房和离体右心房标本,观察消旋多沙唑嗪[(±)DOX]、左旋多沙唑嗪[(-)DOX]、右旋多沙唑嗪[(+)DOX]、消旋阿夫唑嗪[(±)ALF]、左旋阿夫唑嗪[(-)ALF]以及右旋阿夫唑嗪[(+)ALF]对小鼠离体右心房心率及左心房心肌收缩力的影响。结果 (+)DOX组的16例标本中,加入30μmol·L-1药物后,5例(31.3%)发生停搏;(±)DOX组、(-)DOX组各有1例发生停搏;其他各组标本未出现停搏反应。(+)DOX和(±)DOX各浓度均减慢小鼠右心房心率(P<0.01),并具有浓度依赖关系;(+)DOX减慢心率的作用强于同浓度(±)DOX(P<0.01)。10和30μmol·L-1浓度的(-)DOX减慢心率(P<0.01),其作用弱于同浓度(+)DOX(P<0.01)。(-)ALF、(+)ALF及(±)ALF在10和30μmol·L-1浓度时均轻度减慢小鼠右心房心率(P<0.05)。在小鼠离体左心房标本,(+)DOX(10和30μmol·L-1)抑制心肌收缩力(P<0.05);而(-)DOX(3～30μmol·L-1)增强心肌收缩力(P<0.05),其增强作用强于同浓度(±)DOX(P<0.05)。(±)ALF及其对映体(3～30μmol·L-1)对小鼠离体左心房心肌收缩力无影响。结论 DOX对小鼠离体心房的心率和心肌收缩力具有明显的影响,高浓度尚可诱发心脏停博反应;DOX的手性结构对其上述活性具有明显的影响。相反,ALF仅影响小鼠心率,ALF的手性结构对其心脏效应无明显影响。     

Tissue Concentrations of Digoxin in an Autopsy Material

Abstract: The tissue concentrations of digoxin were measured in 13 cadavers who before death had been on the maintenance digoxin therapy. Tissue samples were taken from 5 different parts of the heart, from skeletal muscle, liver and kidney. Digoxin was extracted by dichlormethane and measured by radioimmunoassay. Whole blood digoxin was measured by the same method. The appropriate recovery studies showed good extraction. The highest heart digoxin concentration was found in the septal muscle (mean 132 ± S. D. 65 ng/g) and the lowest in the left auricle (43 ± 26 ng/g). The heart concentrations were in good correlation with the whole blood concentration — the best correlation was found with the ventricular muscle (r = 0.86). The skeletal muscle concentration was about 15 % of the heart concentration (20 ± 13 ng/g) and the correlation with the whole blood was poorer (r = 0.54). The kidney concentration (123 ± 65 ng/g) was approximately the same as that of the heart and the liver concentration was 68 ± 51 ng/g. The results indicate a linear correlation between blood and heart.     

Pharmacokinetics and haemodynamic effect of deacetyl diltiazem (M1) in rabbits after a single intravenous administration

Deacetyl diltiazem (M₁) is a major metabolite of the widely used calcium antagonist diltiazem (DTZ). In order to study the pharmacokinetic and haemodynamic effects of this metabolite, M₁ was administered as a single 5 mg kg⁻¹ dose intravenously (iv) to New Zealand white rabbits (n = 5) via a marginal ear vein. Blood samples, blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and heart rate (HR) recordings were obtained from each rabbit up to 8 h, and urine samples for 48 h post-dose. Plasma concentrations of M₁ and its metabolites were determined by HPLC. The results showed that the only quantifiable basic metabolite in the plasma was deacetyl N-monodesmethyl DTZ (M₂). The t_1/2 and AUC of M₁ and M₂ were 2.1±0.5 and 3.0±1.1 h, and 1300±200 and 240±37 ng h mL⁻¹, respectively. The Cl and Cl_r of M₁ were 60±10 and 0.81±0.63 mL min⁻¹ kg⁻¹, respectively. M₁ significantly decreased blood pressure (SBP and DBP) for up to 1 h post-dose (p <0.05), but had no significant effect on the heart rate (p >0.05). The E_max and EC₅₀ as estimated by the inhibitory sigmoidal E_max model were 20±18% 620±310 ng mL⁻¹, respectively for SBP; 20±8.3% and 420±160 ng mL⁻¹ for DBP. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

THE EFFECT OF CHANGES IN GASTRIC pH INDUCED BY OMEPRAZOLE ON THE ABSORPTION AND RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION OF METHADONE

The effect of omeprazole (2 mg kg⁻¹ i.v.) on respiratory depression induced in rats by acute oral methadone administration (5 mg kg⁻¹) was examined and compared with control animals that only received methadone. Quantitative assessments of arterial p_CO2, p_O2, pH, and respiratory rate were employed as criteria for evaluation. Intragastric pH was measured in each rat immediately before and 2 h after methadone. Plasma concentration of methadone was measured for 3 h. The relationship between drug effect and the systemic bioavailability of methadone, measured as the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC_0–180 ), was also evaluated. The intensity of the methadone-induced respiratory depression was significantly greater in the omeprazole group than in control rats. A significant variation (p<0·01) in all respiratory parameters was detected from 30 to 120 min after methadone. Omeprazole caused a significant increase in methadone levels (C_max=156± 6·5 ng mL⁻¹ against 51±5·8 ng mL⁻¹ in control; p<0·05). AUC_0–180 was higher (p<0·05) after omeprazole treatment (18·6±1·4 μg mL⁻¹ min) than in control (6·8± 0·6 μg mL⁻¹ min). Two hours after treatment with omeprazole, intragastric pH values were significantly elevated (4·7±0·1 against 2·2±0·04) and continued increasing, being 6·4±0·1 at the end of the experiment. Correlation was observed between intragastric pH and the area under the effect– (respiratory depression–) time curve (r=0·74; p<0·001). A relationship between plasma methadone levels at 120 min and gastric pH (r=0·92; p<0·001) was detected. A significant correlation between the area under the effect–time curve (0–120 min) and AUC_0–180 has been also observed (r=0·90; p<0·01). These pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes could be gastric pH dependent because they were mimicked when gastric pH was experimentally modified by bicarbonate whereas opposite results were obtained with acidic pH 2 solution.     

Absolute bioavailability of letrozole in healthy postmenopausal women

Letrozole is a new non-steroidal inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme system. It is currently under development for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer. Absolute bioavailability of letrozole when given orally as one 2·5 mg film-coated tablet in comparison to the same dose given intravenously as a bolus injection was studied in 12 healthy postmenopausal women. Letrozole absolute systemic bioavailability after p.o. administration was 99·9±16·3%. Elimination of letrozole was slow. Total-body clearance of letrozole from plasma after i.v. administration was low (2.21 L h⁻¹). The calculated distribution volume at steady state (1.87 L kg⁻¹) suggests a rather high tissue distribution. Biotransformation of letrozole is the main elimination mechanism with the glucuronide conjugate of the secondary alcohol metabolite being the predominant species found in urine. The two study treatments were tolerated equally well. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PHARMACOKINETICS OF THE ENANTIOMERS OF VERAPAMIL AFTER INTRAVENOUS AND ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF RACEMIC VERAPAMIL IN A RAT MODEL

Verapamil is a chiral calcium channel blocking drug which is useful clinically as the racemate in treating hypertension and arrhythmia. The published pharmacokinetic data for verapamil enantiomers in the rat model are limited. Utilizing a stereospecific high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay, the enantiomeric disposition of verapamil is reported after intravenous (1·0 mg kg⁻¹) and oral (10 mg kg⁻¹) administration of racemic verapamil to the rat model. After intravenous administration the systemic clearance of R-verapamil was significantly greater than that of S-verapamil; 34·9 ± 7 against 2·7 ± 3·7 mL min⁻¹ kg⁻¹ (mean ± SD), respectively. After oral administration, the clearance of R-verapamil was significantly greater than that of S-verapamil, 889 ± 294 against 351 ± 109 mL min⁻¹ kg⁻¹, respectively. The apparent oral bioavailability of S-verapamil was greater than that of R-verapamil, 0·074 ± 0·031 against 0·041 ± 0·011, respectively. These data suggest that the disposition of verapamil in the rat is stereoselective; verapamil undergoes extensive stereoselective first-pass clearance after oral administration and the direction of stereoselectivity in plasma is opposite to that observed in the human. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Intra-tumoral drug concentration mapping within solid tumor micro-milieu using in-vitro model and doxorubicin as a model drug

In contrast to plasma pharmacokinetics, intratumoral pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin (DOX) determines its spatial anti-tumoral activity. Three-dimensional multicellular layers (MCL) model for solid tumors present optimum experimental platform for studying the intratumoral pharmacokinetics of DOX. This might imply new insights for understanding intratumoral pharmacokinetic parameters with realistic clinical implications. Herein, we are presenting simplified method for the spatial in-situ concentration assessment of DOX within the avascular simulating MCL solid tumor model of DLD-1 and HT-29 cell lines. DLD-1 and HT-29 formed viable well-structured MCL model abundant in extracellular matrix component (fibronectin). DOX (100 µM) showed stronger anti-proliferative effect against MCL of DLD-1 compared to HT-29 MCL (38.8% and 27.9%, respectively). The differential potencies of DOX closely correlate to the intratumoral pharmacokinetics within MCL’s of both cell lines. DOX penetrated faster and washed out slower through the MCL of DLD-1 compared to HT-29 MCL. Distribution of DOX within MCL of DLD-1 was more homogenous compared to HT-29 MCL. Tissue concentration of DOX within MCL of DLD-1 was significantly higher than HT-29 MCL’s after 96 h exposure (0.7 and 0.4 µmole/gm tissue, respectively). Concentration of DOX within MCL of both cell lines exceeded the IC₅₀ under monolayer conditions (2.3 ± 0.6 µM and 0.6 ± 0.1 µM, respectively). In addition, DOX was extensively metabolized to less active metabolites (doxorubicinol and doxorubicinone) through the thickness of both MCL’s. In conclusion, Intratumoral pharmacokinetic barriers to DOX might be key determinant in drug resistance on the tissue level, despite cellular and molecular events.     

PHARMACOKINETIC–PHARMACODYNAMIC MODELLING FOR CAPTOPRIL IN HEALTHY ANAESTHETIZED PIGLETS

The use of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, specially in children, has been empirical. This is because the relationship between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of captopril has not been clearly defined. It is not usually feasible to obtain the serial kinetic–dynamic data necessary to study this relationship in infants. The piglet was therefore investigated as an animal model in which to study the relationship between the kinetics and dynamics of captopril. The standard pharmacokinetic parameters for captopril in healthy anaesthetized piglets were found to be within the range reported for humans. Cl_TB was estimated to be 1·42±0·33 L h⁻¹ kg⁻¹; t_1/2 was 0·44±0·08 h; V_dss was calculated to be 0·64±0·13 L kg⁻¹; t_1/2 and AUC_0–∞ was estimated to be 145±27 ng h mL⁻¹. The observed haemodynamic response was qualitatively similar to that in humans. Aortic pressure was reduced by 42±18%; heart rate was reduced by 21±11%. A parametric pharmacokinetic (two-compartment)–pharmacodynamic (linear) model has been established to describe plasma captopril concentration and aortic pressure relationship. Based on the observed results, the piglet was considered to be a viable model for our purpose.     

Toxicokinetic study of melamine in the presence and absence of cyanuric acid in rats

Several lines of evidence show that the nephrotoxic effect of melamine (MEL) in animals is consistent with combined ingestion of MEL and cyanuric acid (CYA). The aim of the present study was to compare the toxicokinetics of MEL in the presence and absence of CYA, and to elucidate the correlation between toxicity and kinetic properties of MEL. Sprague–Dawley rats were administered a single oral dose of MEL (100 mg kg^?1) with or without CYA (100 mg kg^?1). Plasma and tissue samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) assay. Significant changes in toxicokinetic parameters of MEL such as lower maximum concentration (7.4 ± 3.5 vs 78.0 ± 11.0 µg ml^?1) and area under curve (94.9 ± 53.5 vs 295.1 ± 93.7 µg h ml^?1), higher plasma elimination half‐life (7.0 ± 3.3 vs 2.5 ± 0.3 h) and volume of distribution (11 505.5 ± 5030.3 vs 1312.7 ± 337.7 ml kg^?1), as well as significantly higher concentration of MEL in rat kidney (2.96–274.15 vs < 1 µg g^?1) were detected in the CYA co‐administration group when compared with MEL alone group (P < 0.05). The differences in kinetic parameters between the two groups meant that CYA co‐administration could lower absorption, slow excretion and induce tissue accumulation of MEL, which correlated well with the generation and development of renal toxicity. In conclusion, co‐administration with CYA leads to the alteration of the kinetic characteristics of MEL, which provides an additional explanation for renal toxicity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

THE EFFECT OF EXPERIMENTAL RENAL FAILURE ON TOLFENAMIC ACID DISPOSITION IN THE DOG

The pharmacokinetic disposition of tolfenamic acid, an NSAID, after a single administration of tolfenamic acid (4 mg kg⁻¹) by the intravenous (IV) route was compared in eight dogs before and after a surgically induced renal failure. Renal impairment was confirmed by a significant increase ( p <0·001) of water intake, urine volume, and urea and creatinine plasma concentration. PAH and inulin clearances decreased after surgery from 15·2±4·2 to 9·5±0·8 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ ( p <0·05) and from 4·37±1·15 to 2·43±0·88 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ ( p =0·067), respectively. After surgery, clearance of TA was significantly ( p <0·001) increased, from 2·22±1·68 to 3·59±1·81 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹. There was no modification of the steady-state volume of distribution ( p >0·05) and the mean residence time was significantly decreased from 606±199 to 373±302 min ( p <0·05). No variation of binding to plasma proteins (<99%) was observed. These results suggest that renal insufficiency could increase hepatic metabolism and/or alter the enterohepatic cycle of TA. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.