Effect of positively and negatively charged liposomes on skin permeation of drugs

To clarify the effect of the surface charge of liposomes on percutaneous absorption, the permeation of liposomal drugs through rat skin was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Liposomes were prepared using egg yolk lecithin (EPC, phase transition temperature, -15 to -17 degrees C), cholesterol and dicetylphosphate (DP) or stearylamine (SA) (10:1:1, mol/mol). Also examined was the penetration behavior of positively and negatively charged liposomes, using a fluorescent probe (Nile Red). The in vitro penetration rate of melatonin (MT) entrapped in negatively charged liposomes was higher than that of positively charged ones (p<0.05). When the percutaneous absorption of ethosuximide (ES) encapsulated was estimated in vivo, the absorption of ES from negatively charged liposomes was slightly higher than that from positively charged liposomes. Additionally, the absorption of ES from both types of liposomes was superior to that from the lipid mixtures consisting of the same composition as the vesicles. The percutaneous absorption of betahistine (BH) from a gel formulation containing negatively charged liposomes of BH was much more than that from the formulation with positively charged ones, with 2-fold higher AUC (p<0.05). Histological studies revealed that the negatively charged liposomes diffused to the dermis and the lower portion of hair follicles through the stratum corneum and the follicles much faster than the positive vesicles at the initial time stage after application. Thus, the rapid penetration of negatively charged liposomes would contribute to the increased permeation of drugs through the skin.

Phenotype of cytochrome P4501B1 gene (CYP1B1) mutations in Japanese patients with primary congenital glaucoma

AIM

To investigate the phenotypes associated with cytochrome P4501B1 gene (CYP1B1) mutations in Japanese patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG).

METHODS

66 Japanese patients with PCG were screened for sequence mutations in the CYP1B1 gene using single strand conformation polymorphism analysis followed by automated DNA sequencing. 11 cases had a CYP1B1 mutation in both alleles (the mutation group) and 21 cases did not have a CYP1B1 mutation (the "no mutation" group). The clinical features, such as age of onset, sex, intraocular pressure, and Descemet's membrane rupture, of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The clinical symptoms and signs did not differ for the two groups. The mean age at onset was 1.7 months in the mutation group and 3.1 months in the no mutation group, and the male:female ratio was 6:5 in the mutation group and 19:2 in the no mutation group. Both of these differences were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In clinically diagnosed cases of PCG, a subgroup shows a CYP1B1 gene mutation. Age at onset was earlier in PCG patients with CYP1B1 mutations than in patients without mutations. Women were more prevalent among patients with mutations than those without mutations.

Anti-plasticizing effect of amorphous indomethacin induced by specific intermolecular interactions with PVA copolymer

The mechanism of how poly(vinyl alcohol-co-acrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) (PVA copolymer) stabilizes an amorphous drug was investigated. Solid dispersions of PVA copolymer, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVPVA) with indomethacin (IMC) were prepared. The glass transition temperature (Tg)-proportion profiles were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). General Tg profiles decreasing with the IMC ratio were observed for IMC-PVP and IMC-PVPVA samples. An interesting antiplasticizing effect of IMC on PVA copolymer was observed; Tg increased up to 20% IMC ratio. Further addition of IMC caused moderate reduction with positive deviation from theoretical values. Specific hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions between IMC and PVA copolymer were revealed by infrared spectra. The indole amide of IMC played an important role in hydrogen bonding with PVA copolymer, but not with PVP and PVPVA. X-ray diffraction findings and the endotherm on DSC profiles suggested that PVA copolymer could form a semicrystalline structure and a possibility of correlation of the crystallographic nature with its low hygroscopicity was suggested. PVA copolymer was able to prevent crystallization of amorphous IMC through both low hygroscopicity and the formation of a specific intermolecular interaction compared with that with PVP and PVPVA.

In-vitro and in-vivo activities of antimicrobial agents against Acinetobacter calcoaceticus

The virulence of clinical isolates of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus subsp. anitratus was studied in mice, and in-vitro and in-vivo activities of several antimicrobial agents were evaluated. In in-vitro susceptibility testings, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and peptide were highly sensitive, and minocycline and doxycycline were the most active of 21 antibiotics tested against 84 clinical isolates of Acin. calcoaceticus. Virulence tests for mice revealed that some strains exhibited high virulence with LD50 values between 10(3) and 10(4) viable cells/mouse. Against lethal and urinary tract infections produced by Acin. calcoaceticus Ac-54 strain in mice, minocycline, doxycycline, gentamicin, and dibekacin, which were highly active in vitro, were effective.

Scanning laser Doppler flowmeter study of retinal blood flow in macular area of healthy volunteers

AIM

To compare the interocular and intraocular differences of capillary perfusion, and the intraocular regional differences of retinal blood flow in the macular area of healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Tissue blood flow in the macula was examined in both eyes of 20 healthy volunteers with the Heidelberg retinal flowmeter. Blood flow measurements were made in a 10 degrees x 2.5 degrees area superior and inferior to the macula. The mean blood flow (MBF) was calculated by an automatic full field perfusion image analyser program. The MBF in the right and left eyes and in the superior and inferior macular areas of the same eye were compared.

RESULTS

The ratios of the MBF in the right eye to the left eye in the macular areas were 1.00, and 1.03, respectively. The ratio of the MBF in the superior macular area to the inferior area was 1.01 for the right eyes and 1.04 for the left eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Because no significant differences were found in the MBF between the two eyes and between the superior and inferior macular areas in the same eye, interocular (for example, affected eye versus fellow eye) and intraocular (superior versus inferior macular areas) comparisons of MBF can be made to determine if changes in retinal perfusion have occurred.

Pharmacokinetics of aniracetam and its metabolites in rats

The pharmacokinetics of aniracetam (AP), a new cognitive performance enhancer, and its main metabolites was investigated after intravenous (iv) and oral administrations to rat. The plasma levels of AP, 4-p-anisamidobutyric acid (ABA), and p-anisic acid (AA) were determined simultaneously by the HPLC method. The plasma concentrations of the parent drug and ABA quickly declined in a biexponential manner, with rapid terminal decay and a small mean residence time. However, AA yielded nonlinearly high levels at the initial times and the plasma concentrations of 2-pyrrolidinone (PD) were sustained over a relatively long time. When AA was administered intravenously, nonlinearity of the plasma concentrations was also found at higher doses. To describe the time course of the plasma levels of AP and its metabolites after iv administration, a pharmacokinetic model with seven compartments was applied, which included 10 first-order rate constants and one Michaelis-Menten constant. An approximate fit was obtained between the observed and calculated curves based on the model, except for the plasma concentrations of ABA. The plasma concentration-time profiles of AP and its metabolites following oral administration of AP (50 and 100 mg/kg) were similar to those after iv dosing, with the exception of PD, which showed much lower plasma levels than those after iv administration. Elimination of AP and ABA was rapid after oral dosing, and the bioavailability of AP was extremely small (11.4 and 8.6%). As a result, AP was largely metabolized to ABA, AA, and PD in rat.

Percutaneous penetration of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextrans and the mechanism for enhancement effect of enhancers on the intercellular penetration

To identify the mechanism involved in the enhancement effect of enhancers on the intercellular penetration of large polar molecules, the skin penetration of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextrans (average molecular weight; 4400, 9400, and 69000 Da) and the lipid removal from the intercellular spaces by enhancers were studied using hairless rat skin. Pretreatment of hairless rat skin with enhancers such as n-octanol (20%), laurocapram (2%), isopropylmyristate (IPM, 20%), oleic acid (5%) and cineol (2%), which are water-immiscible, significantly enhanced the flux of FITC-dextrans, while pretreatment with water-miscible enhancers, i.e. dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 5%) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) did not increase the flux compared with the control. The penetration of FITC-dextrans was approximately size dependent. n-Octanol, laurocapram, IPM and oleic acid dramatically removed ceramides which are the intercellular lipids, whereas NMP and DMSO partly extracted the sphingolipids. A linear relationship was observed between the flux and removal of ceramides (p < 0.01), indicating that the removal of intercellular lipids would cause dramatic dilations between adherent cornified cells and enhance the penetration through the intercellular pathways. When the penetration of FITC-dextrans through Wistar rat skin was compared with that via hairless rat skin, the steady state flux of FITC-dextrans through Wistar rat skin pretreated with water-immiscible enhancers was 1.2- to 4.9-fold higher, suggesting that the penetration of large polar molecules through follicles may play at least some role in the percutaneous absorption.

Pharmacokinetics of epinastine and a possible mechanism for double peaks in oral plasma concentration profiles

The pharmacokinetics of epinastine (EPN), an anti-allergic agent, was investigated in rats. The plasma concentration-time profile of EPN after intravenous (i.v.) administration was triexponential. After oral administration of EPN (7.5 and 20 mg/kg), the drug was rapidly absorbed, and Cmax was reached 2 h after dosing. A minor secondary peak was observed in EPN plasma concentration-time profiles at both doses. The bioavailability of EPN after oral dosing was 41 and 40%. The kinetic parameters (T 1/2, AUC and MRT) for unlabeled EPN were much smaller than those for 14C-EPN, which has already been reported. The total biliary excretion of EPN at a 7.5 mg/kg dose was 15.5% of the dose, but the percentage of conjugates in bile was extremely low and about 11% of the total biliary excretion. The increase in the plasma concentration in bile duct-linked rats after oral administration of EPN (20 mg/kg) was not observed, indicating that a secondary increase in drug concentration based on enterohepatic circulation was ruled out. When the gastrointestinal (GI)-transit of phenol red (PR) after oral administration of EPN (20 mg/kg) was estimated, the GI-transit of PR was significantly delayed, and at 3-4 h after dosing half of the PR dose reached the jejunum. The remaining EPN in the small intestine after oral administration (7.5 mg/kg) reached peak levels 2 h after dosing, but then partly increased again at 4 h. As a result, it was clarified that the double peaks observed after oral doses are mainly due to the delayed absorption of a part of EPN, based on the reduction in gastric motility caused by the drug.

Objective evaluation of binocular function using the pattern reversal visual evoked response. II. Effect of mean luminosity

The effect of mean luminosity change on pattern reversal visual evoked response (VER), especially monocular VER, binocular VER and binocular summation, was studied. The mean luminosity level was changed with the use of neutral density filters. When mean luminosity level was decreased binocularly, binocular and monocular VER amplitudes decreased and binocular summation increased, reaching its peak at a luminosity of -0.3 log foot-lambert. When mean luminosity was changed monocularly and the interocular luminosity difference was larger than 0.6 log unit, the binocular VER became almost equal to or smaller than the monocular VER. In dim luminosity, the binocular system functioned better than the monocular system. Even a slight luminosity difference between the two eyes could disturb the binocular system.

Pharmacokinetic drug interactions between ampiroxicam and sulfaphenazole in rats

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of sulfaphenazole (SP) on the pharmacokinetics of ampiroxicam (AM) which is metabolized by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2C9, since SP is a potent inhibitor of CYP 2C9, and so a dramatic pharmacokinetic drug interaction between both drugs is assumed after dosing. Single intravenous and oral administrations of AM (5 and 7.5 mg/kg piroxicam equivalent, respectively) and SP (80 and 120 mg/kg, respectively) to rats did not significantly alter the elimination kinetics of AM and piroxicam (PX) converted from AM. When SP was preloaded orally at 2 h before the dosing of AM, and when AM and SP were orally coadministered for 7 d, the elimination of PX from plasma was slightly retarded and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was increased 77 and 53%, respectively, but not significantly, compared with those after AM alone. On the other hand, a significantly decreased metabolic conversion of PX to 5'-hydroxyPX in plasma was observed by these treatments (p<0.05). In order to clarify the mechanism for the interaction, hepatic and intestinal metabolizing enzyme activities, CYP, uridine 5'-diphosphoglucuronyltransferase (UDPGT) and aryl esterase, were assayed after single and multiple oral administrations of AM or AM and SP. The enzyme activities were hardly inhibited by the treatment, indicating that the inhibition of CYP and hydrolytic enzymes by SP was approximately denied. These results suggest that SP does not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of AM and PX in rats. However, the pharmacokinetic drug interaction between both drugs in man may not always be ignored.

Mechanism of the enhancement effect of n-octyl-beta-D-thioglucoside on the transdermal penetration of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextrans and the molecular weight dependence of water-soluble penetrants through stripped skin

To clarify the mechanism of the enhancing effect of n-octyl-beta-D-thioglucoside (OTG), which acts as a potent enhancer for skin penetration of peptides and water-soluble penetrants, the in vitro penetration of macromolecules [fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextrans (FTIC-dextrans)] was evaluated with hairless rat skin and stripped skin. The FITC-dextrans (MW, 4400, 9600, and 69,000 Da, referred to as FD-4, FD-10, and FD-70, respectively) penetrated more easily in the presence of OTG (1.5%), with high fluxes equivalent to those through stripped skin. This result indicated that the enhancement effect of OTG on the penetration of macromolecules through the stratum corneum was extensive, and the barrier function of the corneum was nearly eliminated by the OTG treatment. OTG significantly solubilized the stratum corneum proteins and ceramides during the initial time stage. Scanning electron microscopic observations demonstrated that OTG treatment dramatically changed the cell membrane (i.e., exfoliation of cell membranes and dissociation of adherent cornified cells), suggesting a significant disturbance of the cohesive laminae and barrier functions. The extent of dissociation of cell membranes increased with treatment time, without significant changes in the cell junctions. These results clarify that the enhancement mechanism of OTG was different from that of laurocapram and other lipophilic enhancers. The permeability of polar solutes with differing molecular sizes (MW, 180-69,000 Da) through stripped skin was size dependent (r = 0.997, p < 0.001). However, the viable epidermis and dermis restricted the penetration of macromolecules, such as FD-70.

Study of standard tablet formulation based on fluidized-bed granulation

In this study, acetaminophen, ascorbic acid, and ethenzamide were selected as model drugs for tableting granules. Agitation and fluidized-bed granulation were carried out at three drug contents of 30, 50, and 70%. Compared with agitation granulation, granules made by fluidized-bed granulation showed superior compressibility with wide formulation allowance for drug type and amount. Fluidized-bed granulation resulted in less granule hardness and greater plastic deformability. The granules had considerable compactness and for tablets containing 70% ethenzamide, prolonged disintegration and dissolution times were noted. These are typical features of granules produced by fluidized-bed granulation.

Electrophysiological similarities between two eyes with X-linked recessive retinoschisis

Electroretinograms (ERG) and electro-oculograms (EOG) were studied in 88 eyes of 44 male patients with X-linked recessive retinoschisis. Differences of fundus appearance, ERG, and EOG between the eyes of each patient were analyzed. Fundus abnormalities were symmetrical in 77.3% of the cases. The amplitude of the ERG a-wave was normal in 26.1% and was abnormally low in 73.9%. The amplitude of the b-wave was below normal in all eyes; thus a small b-wave/a-wave ratio, which is characteristic of X-linked recessive retinoschisis, was observed in every case. The light peak to dark trough (LP/DT) ratio of the EOG was normal in 90.8% of the cases. The relative electrophysiological differences between the two eyes were calculated and showed that a-wave amplitude was not different between eyes in 75.0% of the cases; b-wave amplitude was not different in 77.3% of the cases; b-wave/a-wave ratio was symmetrical in 93.2% of the cases; and the LP/DT ratio was consistent between eyes in 86.8% of the cases. These results suggest that in most cases of X-linked recessive retinoschisis the fundus appearance, ERG, and EOG are similarly affected in both eyes of the patient.

Objective evaluation of binocular function with pattern reversal VER. I. Effect of contrast

The effect of change of contrast on the pattern reversal monocular VER, binocular VER, and binocular summation (binocular VER amplitude/monocular VER amplitude) was studied in normal subjects. The monocular VER amplitudes showed significant increase until the 0.50 contrast and saturation above that contrast. The largest binocular VER amplitude was observed at 0.20 contrast, and the amplitude tended to decrease with increasing contrast. The value of the binocular summation was highest at 0.20 contrast and decreased significantly with increasing contrast. At high contrast, there was no significant binocular summation. The difference of peak time (phase) between the binocular and the monocular VER was greatest at low contrast and decreased with increasing contrast. These results are explained by the difference of saturation level between the binocular and monocular systems. Our findings lead us to advocate strongly the use of low- to midlevel contrast for evaluating binocular function with pattern reversal VER in clinical ophthalmology.

Transdermal absorption of bupranolol in rabbit skin in vitro and in vivo

This study was designed to clarify the percutaneous penetration of bupranolol (BP), a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, through rabbit skin and to compare the in vitro penetration with the in vivo absorption. BP penetrated across the skin slowly in the absence of enhancers in vitro. Isopropyl myristate and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone enhanced the in vitro penetration, with a 3.6 times higher flux compared with that without enhancers. However, in the in vivo percutaneous absorption, the maximal penetration was obtained with the formulation added dlimonene, with a 3.0 times higher area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) than that for the formulation without enhancers. The plasma levels of BP determined, however, were extremely lower than the theoretical plasma steady-state concentrations predicted. The plasma levels of BP after application of these formulations were maintained in the range of 7-22 ng/ml for 30 h, of which concentrations were above the therapeutically effective concentration (1.5-4 ng/ml). Therefore, the transdermal systems will offer an efficient drug delivery system for the treatment of angina pectoris and tachycardia.

Novel mutations in the myocilin gene in Japanese glaucoma patients

Myocilin is a gene responsible for juvenile onset primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) mapped as the GLC1A locus and, many mutations have been reported worldwide. Some mutations were found not only in patients with juvenile onset POAG, but also in patients with late onset POAG and in patients with normal tension glaucoma. To investigate the mutation prevalence in Japan, we performed a mutation analysis in 140 unrelated Japanese patients. We have identified the 10 sequence variants, of which four were highly probable for disease-causing mutations (Arg46ter, Arg158Gln, Ile360Asn, and Ala363Thr), and six polymorphisms (Gln19His, Arg76Lys, Asp208Glu, Val439Val, Arg470His, and Ala488Ala). Thus, myocilin mutations were found at the rate of 4/140 (2.9%) probands, similar to previous reports with other ethnic populations.

Pharmacokinetics of indomethacin ester prodrugs: gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicity and the hydrolytic capacity of various tissues in rats

In order to develop a potential prodrug of indomethacin (IM) which causes less irritation to the gastrointestinal mucosa, the ester prodrugs [butyl ester (IM-BE) and octyl ester (IM-OE)] of IM were synthesized and evaluated for their ulcerogenic activity and hepatic injury after oral administration in rats. Additionally, the kinetics of hydrolysis of the prodrugs were examined to characterize the tissues or organs capable of hydrolyzing the ester bonds. The plasma levels of IM after the oral administration of IM-OE and IM-BE were comparatively low compared with those after IM, with a small bioavailability (2.1 and 15.0%, respectively). Ulcerogenic activity and hepatic injury, expressed by decreased hepatic microsomal enzyme activities, were hardly seen after repeated oral administration of the prodrugs, in contrast with the severely irritating effects of IM alone. Hydrolysis of the prodrugs was adequately described by first-order kinetics. IM-BE was relatively rapidly hydrolyzed in plasma, skin and whole blood, but the hydrolysis in the intestinal mucosa and liver was very slow. The hydrolytic rates for IM-OE were exceedingly small or negligible. These results indicate that the main part of IM-BE and IM-OE administered orally might not be hydrolyzed to IM in the gastrointestinal tract, and that the ester prodrugs themselves were absorbed through the mucosa; also, that the hydrolysis of ester bonds would be carried out mainly in the circulatory system. Consequently, IM-BE seems to be an ideal prodrug of IM.

In vitro skin penetration and degradation of peptides and their analysis using a kinetic model

The main purpose of this study was to estimate the net percutaneous absorption of physiologically active peptides in vitro. The degradation of two peptides, Leu-enkephalin (Enk) and Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly amide (TPLG), during skin penetration and on the dermal side following penetration, and the prevention of degradation by some protease inhibitors, were investigated using rat skin in vitro. In addition, these permeation and degradation data were analyzed using a kinetic model. These peptides were rapidly degraded in the receptor fluid of a Franz diffusion cell (rate constant: 0.977 h(-1) for Enk and 0.250 h(-1) for TPLG). The addition of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and phenanthroline and the pretreatment of skin with these inhibitors prevented almost completely any degradation in the receptor fluid and skin, respectively. The pretreatment of skin with PMSF and phenanthroline had no effect on the penetration of dextran (1000 Da). The degradation rate constant during skin penetration, calculated from the difference in the penetration rate constants via pretreated and untreated skins, was also high (0.037 h(-1) for Enk and 0.050 h(-1) for TPLG). A kinetic model including an input rate (zero-order), the permeation rate across the viable skin (first-order) and the degradation rate in skin (first-order) was sufficient to describe the apparent steady-state flux of the peptides through skin. We have, thus, established a method for measuring the true flux of peptides across skin in vitro and a kinetic model which simply describes the skin penetration of peptides.

Effect of sugar-modified beta-cyclodextrins on dissolution and absorption characteristics of phenytoin

Inclusion complexes of phenytoin (DPH) with 6-O-alpha-D-glucosyl (G1)- and 6-O-alpha-D-maltosyl (G2)-beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CyDs) were prepared in a molecular mixing ratio of 1:1. The advantages of these preparations in terms of dissolution characteristics and the oral absorbency of DPH were evaluated in comparison with the known solid dispersions of polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 and sodium deoxycholate (DC-Na). The results of a phase-solubility study indicated that G1- and G2-beta-CyDs provided higher solubility for DPH than 2-hydroxypropyl (HP)-beta-CyD. Irrespective of inclusion ability, the DPH/beta-CyD complexes allowed faster dissolution rates than those of the known dispersions in JP 1st and 2nd mediums. The dissolution behavior of the DPH/DC-Na dispersion was considerably different between the 1st and 2nd mediums. The complexation by the sugar-modified derivatives yielded a higher stability of dissolved DPH in the JP 2nd medium than that yielded by K-30 or DC-Na. The safe estimation of carriers themselves indicated that G1- and G2-bet-CyDs did not damage the small intestine, while 10 mM DC-Na showed some damage. Compared with the DPH/K-30 dispersion, the preparations with the sugar-modified beta-CyDs were more effective in enhancing the absorbability of DPH after oral administration. These results clearly suggest that complexation with G1- and G2-beta-CyDs are useful forms for the oral delivery of DPH. The advantage of these complexes is that they produce an increased level of DPH available for gastrointestinal absorption. Additionally, G2-beta-CyD is recommended as a safe and potent additive for DPH.

[Transdermal delivery of drugs and enhancement of percutaneous absorption]

This paper describes 1) the drug delivery through the skin to produce systemic effects, 2) the enhancement of percutaneous absorption by absorption enhancers, heating and complex formation, 3) the mechanism for the enhancement effect by enhancers, 4) the percutaneous absorption of peptides, and 5) the pharmacokinetic analysis for percutaneous absorption. 1,3-Dinitroglycerin, indomethacin (IND) and many drugs were efficiently absorbed via rat and rabbit skins in the presence of some enhancers, and using a microporous membrane therapeutic plasma concentrations were maintained for a long time. Enhancement of percutaneous absorption by the complex formation with fatty acid was observed for propranolol (PL) in vitro and in vivo. Heating at 42-45 degrees C also enhanced the percutaneous absorption dramatically, with decreased activation energies. The following mechanisms for the enhancement effect by enhancers were found: a) an increase in the fluidity of the stratum corneum lipids and reduction in the diffusional resistance to permeants, b) the removal of intercellular lipids and dilation between adherent cornified cells, c) an increase in the thermodynamic activity of drugs in vehicles, d) the exfoliation of stratum corneum cell membranes, the dissociation of adherent cornified cells and elimination of the barrier function. Peptides such as enkephalin, elcatonin and insulin were effectively absorbed through the skin in the presence of some enhancers and specific inhibitors, with no proteolytic degradation. The pharmacokinetic model with two parallel absorption processes, lipidic and aqueous pore transport pathways, in skin could adequately describe the percutaneous absorption of IND, PL and valproic acid. With peptides, a kinetic model including zero-order input rate, first-order permeation rate and first-order degradation rate was able to describe well the steady-state flux of peptides.

Pharmacokinetics of aniracetam and its metabolites in rat brain

The pharmacokinetics of aniracetam (AP) and its main metabolites, 4-p-anisamidobutyric acid (ABA), 2-pyrrolidinone (PD) and p-anisic acid (AA), in 3 brain regions (cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus) was investigated after single intravenous (i.v.) and oral administrations of AP to rats. AP, AA and PD were rapidly distributed into the 3 brain regions after i.v. administration of AP, but the amounts of AP were low. The concentrations of AP and AA in brain regions rapidly declined, whereas PD levels were higher and more sustained than those of AP and AA. ABA levels in the regions were below the detection limit. There were no significant differences in the distribution of these compounds in the 3 brain regions. The AUCbrain/AUCplasma ratio of PD was 53--55%, in contrast to the low ratio of AP (2.4--3.2%) and AA (3.9--4.2%). On oral administration of AP, the AUCbrain/AUCplasma ratio of PD was also higher than that of AA. When the transport of PD was tested using the in situ brain perfusion technique, it was clarified that PD was not transported across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by a neutral amino acid carrier system. The high brain levels of PD and the low levels of AP suggest that the clinical efficacy of dosed AP may partly result from PD penetrating into the brain.

In vitro skin penetration and degradation of enkephalin, elcatonin and insulin

The work described in this paper was designed to evaluate the relevance of in vitro skin penetration studies of peptides across rat skin. The apparent penetration of three peptides, enkephalin, elcatonin and insulin, in the presence of enhancers was not seen in the in vitro method using Franz diffusion cells. However, when a protease inhibitor was mixed in the receptor fluid, the penetration of enkephalin and insulin was observed. Although insulin penetrated in the presence of enhancers, the penetration was extremely small in quantity and the cumulative amount did not increase with time. When the degradation of peptides in the receptor fluid of Franz cell was estimated, these peptides, especially enkephalin and insulin, were rapidly hydrolyzed and were almost completely lost within 3 h in the absence of an inhibitor, while elcatonin was slowly degraded. The addition of protease inhibitors, such as gabexate (20 mM), camostat (20 mM) or bile salt (taurocholate and deoxycholate, 10 mM), to the receptor fluid inhibited the degradation to a considerable extent, with the first-order rate constants decreased to one-tenth compared with the constants without inhibitors. From the inhibitory study using specific inhibitors, it was clarified that enkephalin and elcatonin were mainly hydrolyzed by aminopeptidases, endopeptidases and serine proteases in the viable skin. Consequently, the results obtained from the in vitro penetration studies without inhibitors did not reflect reliable penetration data. Thus, effective protease inhibitor(s) should be used to obtain the data corresponding to the in vivo transdermal experiment. This methodology will provide a means to eliminate the confounding effect of metabolism in permeation experiments.

Granulation of acetaminophen by a rotating fluidized-bed granulator

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of a rotating fluidized-bed granulator to produce acetaminophen granules with sufficient binding force between particles and good plasticity in tablets. Ethenzamide and ascorbic acid were used to compare the relationship between granulation and the sample wetness. It was revealed that a blade rotation rate of 300 rpm, inlet air flow rate of 42 m3/hr, and spraying pressure of 1.5 kg/cm3 produced tablets with the best properties. The granule and tablet properties of ethenzamide and ascorbic acid were compared to those of acetaminophen. These compounds showed different wetting behaviors with water and different compression behaviors. With an increase in medicament content, tablet hardness increased except for the ascorbic acid formulation. Capping and sticking were observed in acetaminophen and in ascorbic acid, respectively, and acetaminophen and ethenzamide showed prolonged disintegration time.