Flow-through cytometry of meningiomas and cultured meningioma cells

Summary Flow cytometric techniques were used to compare the DNA content, size and viability of meningioma cells obtained directly from surgical specimens with the same cells after a period of culture. Cells isolated from the original meningiomas and cells in primary culture were similar with regard to size and DNA content, regardless of the histologic subclassification of tumor. The cell populations were essentially diploid with a small proportion of tetraploid cells. Viable cells were smaller and more uniform in size than the nonviable cells. An increase in the number of cells having an elevated DNA content was seen with cultures repeatedly transferred. The latter results suggest that any transfer of information from long-term cultured meningioma cells to the in vivo situation must be done with caution.     

Pharmacokinetic behaviour of gliquidone (AR-DF 26), a new sulfonyl urea. Summary of the studies so far (author's transl)]

Pharmacokinetic studies of the new antidiabetic agent gliquidone, AR-DF 26, 1-cyclohexyl-3-((p-[2-(3,4-dihydro-7-methoxy-4,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxo-2 (1H)-isoquinolyl)-ethyl]-phenyl)-sulfonyl)-urea (Glurenorm) in healthy volunteers and patients with several diseases related to diabetes are reported. Plasma levels and excreta were monitored using the 14C-labelled compound and/or a specific radioimmunoassay. Following oral administration of a 30 mg tablet a maximal plasma level of approximately 600 ng/ml was attained after 2 to 3 h. The compound was eliminated mainly with the bile. Urinary excretion amounted to about 5% only. Comparison of diabetic patients with or without concomitant renal insufficiency did not reveal significant differences with respect to the pharmacokinetic behaviour of the drug. This holds true also for administration following a multiple dosage regimen where even three doses of 60 mg each a day, did not result in elevated blood levels in either group. AR-DF 16 is metabolized mainly to four products, which were identified besides unchanged drug in bile, stool and urine. All excreta showed quite a similar pattern of distribution. In plasma, however, unchanged drug accounted for at least 80% of total radioactivity up to 8 h besides some biotransformed products, mainly AR-DF 33.