Mechanism of the selective toxicity of amphotericin B incorporated into liposomes

Previously, it has been shown that incorporation of the membrane channel-forming polyene antibiotic, amphotericin B (AMB), into liposomes composed of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine/dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol (7:3 ratio) results in reduced drug toxicity to animals with full retention of therapeutic activity against systemic fungal infections. In this report we explore the cellular and biochemical bases of the enhanced therapeutic index of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB). AMB and L-AMB are equally potent and both promptly induce rapid cation efflux from Candida albicans cells. By contrast, AMB, but not L-AMB, induces cation efflux and cell lysis in mammalian erythrocytes, demonstrating the selectivity of L-AMB at the cellular level. The characteristics of the lipid of the erythrocyte membrane seem to be the most important determinant of cellular sensitivity, since AMB, but not L-AMB, induces cation release from large unilamellar liposomes composed of red cell membrane lipids, thus paralleling the observations on intact cells. The ability of L-AMB to induce cation release and cause toxicity to erythrocytes, however, can be modulated by changing the lipid composition of the liposome carrier. Thus, AMB-containing liposomes composed of phospholipids with saturated acyl chains are nontoxic, whereas AMB liposomes composed of phospholipids containing unsaturated acyl chains are almost as toxic as AMB itself. The acyl chain composition rather than the head group composition seems most important, although substitution of anionic phosphatidylglycerols for phosphatidylcholines contributes somewhat to the protective effect. Analysis of several types of liposomes containing AMB at concentrations up to 5 mol %, using electron paramagnetic resonance and freeze fracture electron microscopy, shows that the drug is incorporated in the lipid bilayer but produces only modest disruptive effects on bilayer structure. Current results are interpreted in terms of a selective transfer of AMB from "donor" liposomes to "target" cell membranes. The transfer process probably occurs by diffusion of AMB through the solvent but is regulated by the physical properties of both donor and target membranes.     

Rationally designed "dipeptoid" analogues of CCK. Acid mimics of the potent and selective non-peptide CCK-B receptor antagonist CI-988.

This paper outlines the synthesis of selected acid mimics of the non-peptide CCK-B selective antagonist CI-988, 1. CCK-B and CCK-A binding affinities of these analogues are described and their CCK-B affinity and selectivity rationalized by consideration of the pK(a) values, charge distribution, and geometry of the respective acid mimics. Several of the compounds have CCK-B binding affinities similar to the parent carboxylic acid 1 (CCK-B, IC50 = 1.7 nM; pK(a) = 5.6) and span a pK(a) range of less than 1 (sulfonic acid 27) to greater than 9.5 (5-thio-1,2,4-triazole 24). Among the more active compounds synthesized are tricyclo[3.3.1.1(3,7)]dec-2-yl [R-(R*,R*)]-[2-[[2-[[(3-hydroxy-5-isoxazolyl)acetyl]-amino]-2- phenylethyl]amino]-1-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl+ ++]carbamate (15), tricyclo[3.3.1.1(3,7)]dec-2-yl [R-(R*,R*)]-[1-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-1-methyl-2-oxo-2-[[2-[(1-oxo- 3-sulfopropyl)amino]-2-phenylethyl]amino]-ethyl]carbamate, monosodium salt (27), and tricyclo[3.3.1.1(3,7)]dec-2-yl [R-(R*,R*)]-[1-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-1- methyl-2-oxo-2-[[2-[[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylsulfinyl)acetyl]a mino]-2-phenylethyl]amino]ethyl]carbamic acid (34) which have CCK-B binding affinities of IC50 = 2.6, 1.3, and 1.7 nM, CCK-A/-B ratios of 650, 780, and 550 and pK(a) values of 6.5, less than 1, and 7.0, respectively.     

On being led into temptation: "counterregulation" of dieters after smelling a "preload".

In the present study, it was found that dieters lost control over their food intake and "counterregulated" after merely smelling a "preload," while dieters without a "preload" were able to maintain control over their food intake. Nondieters, however, even ate marginally less after smelling a "preload" than they did in a no-preload condition. Apparently, actually breaking one's diet and such subsequent thoughts as "I've blown my diet, I might as well continue to eat" is not necessary for counterregulation to occur. The observation that merely smelling a "preload" is sufficient to produce "counterregulation" in dieters but not in nondieters challenges the explanatory power of the widely held cognitive explanation of experimental counterregulation in preloaded dieters. An explantation in terms of conditioning is put forward.     

CCK-A and CCK-B selective receptor agonists and antagonists modulate olfactory recognition in male rats

Modulation of learning and memory is one of the physiological roles that the neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK-8) may play. We have used a behavioural model of olfactory recognition among rats to test this hypothesis and to explore the relationship between CCK-A and CCK-B receptors and memory retention. Adult male rats form a transient memory of a juvenile congenere as indicated by a reduction in the duration of investigatory behaviour upon re-exposure 30 min after an initial exposure, but not when re-exposure is delayed until 120 min afterwards. In the present study, rats were treated after the first contact with various compounds; inhibition and facilitation of olfactory recognition were evaluated as the persistence in investigation 30 min and the decrease in investigation 120 min after pharmacological manipulations, respectively. Systemic injection of CCK-8, of a selective CCK-A agonist, or of non-peptide CCK-B antagonists (CI-988 and LY-262691) enhanced olfactory recognition. In contrast, the CCK-B selective agonist BC 264 and the tetrapeptide CCK-4 both disrupted it. Taken together with previous evidence of the detrimental effect of the non-peptide CCK-A antagonist devazepide on olfactory recognition, these results confirm and extend the hypothesis that there is a balance between CCK-A-mediated facilitative effects and CCK-B-mediated inhibitory effects on memory retention.     

Rationally designed "dipeptoid" analogues of CCK. alpha-Methyltryptophan derivatives as highly selective and orally active gastrin and CCK-B antagonists with potent anxiolytic properties.

This paper describes the synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) leading to the first rational design of "dipeptoid" analogues of the neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK). Compounds [R-(R*,S*)]-4-[2-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-methyl-1-oxo-2-[(tricyclo [3.3.1.1(3,7)]dec-2-yloxy)carbonyl]amino]propyl]amino]-3- phenylpropyl]-amino]-4-oxo-2-butenoic acid, [R-(R*,R*)]-4-[2-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-methyl-1-oxo-2-[(tricyclo [3.3.1.1(3,7)]dec-2-oxy)carbonyl]amino]propyl]amino]-1- phenylethyl]amino]-4-oxo-2-butenoic acid, and [R-(R*,R*)]-4-[2-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-methyl-1-oxo-2-[(tricyclo [3.3.1.1(3,7)]dec-2-yloxy)carbonyl]amino]propyl]amino]-1- phenylethyl]amino]-4-oxobutanoic acid (29d) have CCK-B binding affinities of IC50 = 0.8, 0.7, and 1.7 nM with a CCK-A/CCK-B ratio of 550, 1100, and 2500, respectively. Compound 27 is well-absorbed and is equiactive by the subcutaneous (sc) and intravenous (iv) routes of administration in the Ghosh and Schild test in rats in inhibiting pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid secretion with ED50 = 0.07 (0.01-0.34) mumol/kg. Compound 29d is anxiolytic in mice in the black-white test box over the range 0.0001-30 mg/kg sc, comparable in activity to diazepam over the range 0.125-1 mg/kg ip), and also active in this test when dosed orally over a wide range from 0.0001 to 10 mg/kg.     

Inhibition of aminopeptidases by peptides containing ketomethylene and hydroxyethylene amide bond replacements

Inhibitors of aminopeptidase enzymes have been prepared by the synthesis of peptide substrate analogues in which the scissile amide bond has been replaced with the hydrolytically stable ketomethylene (-COCH2-) and hydroxyethylene [-CH(OH)CH2-] functionalities. Two synthetic strategies were used to prepare the inhibitors, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. The synthesis of peptides that contain the hydroxyethylene isostere was complicated by competing lactone and lactam formation, and attempts to prepare free N-terminal dipeptide hydroxyethylene isostere derivatives were unsuccessful. All ketomethylene isosteres examined were weak inhibitors of both leucine aminopeptidase and aminopeptidase M. However, the ketomethylene inhibitor LysK(RS)Phe (58) (Ki = 4 nM) is a potent inhibitor comparable to the natural product, arphamenine A (ArgKPhe; Ki = 2.5 nM). Normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics for inhibition of membrane leucine aminopeptidase are observed in the absence of magnesium ion, but nonlinear kinetics were obtained in the presence of Mg2+.     

Probiotics: "living drugs".

The uses, mechanisms of action, and safety of probiotics are discussed. Probiotics are live microorganisms or microbial mixtures administered to improve the patient's microbial balance, particularly the environment of the gastrointestinal tract and the vagina. The yeast Saccharomyces boulardii and the bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus, strain GG, have shown efficacy in clinical trials for the prevention of antimicrobial-associated diarrhea. Other probiotics that have demonstrated at least some promise as prophylaxis for this type of diarrhea are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Enterococcus faecium. The use of S. boulardii as an adjunctive treatment to therapy with metronidazole or vancomycin has been found in controlled studies to decrease further recurrences of Clostridium difficile-associated disease. Other gastrointestinal disorders for which probiotics have been studied include traveler's diarrhea, acute infantile diarrhea, and acute diarrhea in adults. Several Lactobacillus species given in yogurt or in tablet or suppository form have shown clinical efficacy as a treatment for vaginal infections. Lactobacillus strains have also been examined as a treatment for urinary-tract infections. Putative mechanisms of action of probiotics include production of pathogen-inhibitory substances, inhibition of pathogen attachment, inhibition of the action of microbial toxins, stimulation of immunoglobulin A, and trophic effects on intestinal mucosa. The available probiotics are considered nonpathogenic, but even benign microorganisms can be infective when a patient is severely debilitated or immunosuppressed. Probiotics have demonstrated an ability to prevent and treat some infections. Effective use of probiotics could decrease patients' exposure to antimicrobials. Additional controlled studies are needed to clearly define the safety and efficacy of these agents.     

Drinking behavior and "alcoholism".

Drinking is viewed as a functional behavior, an active response to environmental conditions, and excessive drinking as a compromise behavior resulting from ineffectiveness in mediating goals and resolving problems.     

Effect of a highly selective central CCK-B receptor agonist: BC-264 on rat sleep

The possible involvement of the CCK-B receptor type in the atypical somnolence and EEG changes induced by low doses of CCK-B was investigated by intraperitoneal administration of three different doses (8, 16 and 32 micrograms/kg) of the new highly potent and selective CCK-B agonist, BC-264, on sleep parameters in the fasted rat. At the dose of 8 micrograms/kg BC-264 induced a significant increase in waking in the second 120 min of recording without effect on slow wave sleep (SWS). BC-264 did not modify the others sleep parameters. Taken all together these results suggest that CCK-B type receptors are probably not critically involved in satiety and sleep.