Rectal bioavailability of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol from the hemisuccinate ester in monkeys

Oral administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinal (delta 9-THC) was shown to result in low and erratic bioavailability, while the drug showed no bioavailability from various suppository formulations. delta 9-THC-Hemisuccinate was formulated as a prodrug for delta 9-THC in suppositories using Witepsol H15 base. The bioavailability of delta 9-THC from this formulation was evaluated in monkeys. The plasma levels of delta 9-THC and its metabolite 11-nor-delta 9-THC-9-COOH were determined using GC/MS analysis. The calculated bioavailability of delta 9-THC from this formulation was found to be 13.5%. Non-compartmental analysis of the plasma concentration data using statistical moments showed the mean residence time (MRT) for delta 9-THC in the body to be 3 h following iv administration of delta 9-THC or its hemisuccinate ester (3.4 and 2.7 h, respectively), as compared with 5.8 h following rectal administration of the delta 9-THC hemisuccinate. The observed rectal bioavailability of delta 9-THC from suppositories containing the hemisuccinate ester as a prodrug is of significant importance in developing an alternative approach to oral administration of the drug.

Anticholinergic activity of bornaprine and its metabolites in the isolated rat atrium

These studies evaluated the antimuscarinic activity of bornaprine hydrochloride, a synthetic anticholinergic drug utilized in the treatment of parkinsonism. Several of its metabolites were also evaluated. Biological activity was assessed by the ability of the compounds to inhibit the negative inotropic response to carbachol in the isolated left atrium of the rat. Bornaprine showed a pA2 value (concentration required to reduce the agonist response by 50%) of 7.27 +/- 0.21. The exo and endo epimers were approximately equipotent in this regard. One metabolite, the 5-hydroxyl, showed similar activity to the parent compound, whereas 2 other hydroxylated metabolites showed much less effect.

Effects of morphine on the renal handling of sodium and lithium in conscious rats

The present study was carried out in order to assess the renal response to i.v. morphine in the rat, particularly the effects on tubular handling of sodium and lithium. Rats were prepared surgically with arterial and venous catheters and bladder cannulas. Clearance experiments and measurements of blood pressure and heart rate were carried out at least 4 days after surgery in unanesthetized animals. Intravenous administration of morphine (4 mg/kg b.wt.) caused a decrease in fractional sodium excretion, (at 90 min after injection, vehicle, 2.49 +/- 0.30% vs. morphine, 1.12 +/- 0.17%, P less than .05), in the absence of significant changes in systemic hemodynamics or glomerular filtration rate. This effect was prevented by pretreatment with naloxone. Enhanced proximal tubular reabsorption of sodium was considered as a possible explanation for the decrease in sodium excretion which followed morphine administration. Proximal tubular fluid reabsorption was estimated utilizing the lithium clearance method. Results indicated a reduction in fractional excretion of lithium by morphine administration (at 90 min, vehicle, 34.2 +/- 3.3% vs. morphine, 18.8 +/- 2.3%, P less than .05), which was also prevented by naloxone pretreatment. It is concluded that, under the present experimental conditions, morphine enhances tubular reabsorption of sodium by an opiate receptor-dependent mechanism and that this effect is, at least in part, localized in the proximal tubule.

Renal function during onset of carbachol-induced hypertension in conscious rats

This study evaluated the changes in renal function that occur during the early phases of chronic infusion of carbachol into the lateral ventricle in conscious rats. Infusion of 1.0 micrograms/h of carbachol i.c.v. resulted in a prompt pressor response with mean arterial pressure rising 20 mm Hg within 15 min. The pressure remained elevated for the duration of a 2-hour infusion. Carbachol infusion at 0.5 micrograms/h induced a similar elevation in blood pressure, but the onset was delayed, reaching significance only after 30-60 min. The higher dose of carbachol was associated with a marked and sustained natriuresis, with sodium excretion increasing from 2.1 +/- 0.3 to 5.3 +/- 1.0 microEq/100 g min after 2 h, compared to 2.0 +/- 0.5 and 1.8 +/- 0.3 microEq/100 g min in vehicle-infused control animals. Sodium excretion did not change significantly in animals infused with carbachol at 0.5 microgram/h. There were no significant changes in glomerular filtration rate in any of the groups. Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were not altered significantly by ventricular infusion of carbachol (188 +/- 99 before vs. 83 +/- 17 pg/ml after infusion). It is concluded that the pressor response to central carbachol infusion is not dependent on retention of sodium and water. The natriuresis observed with carbachol infusion can be dissociated from the pressor response, and is not mediated by ANP.

Pharmacologic and toxicologic effects of di(beta-phenylisopropyl)amine (DPIA) in rats and mice

1. Di(beta-phenylisopropyl)amine (DPIA) given i.p. to mice and rats in sublethal doses caused increased motility, mild stereotypic behavior and suppression of food intake. Repeated daily doses led to enhanced motor stimulation, and in one group, 40% lethality, indicating development of "reverse tolerance". Brain monoamine modifiers prevented DPIA-induced motor activity. 2. Treatment with toxic i.p. doses of DPIA enabled determination of the LD50, which was 106.8 mg/kg for isolated mice and 89.7 mg/kg for mice kept in aggregation after dosing. Possible antidotal agents given before a high DPIA dose (LD50) protected significantly against lethality. 3. Combinations of DPIA with (+)-amphetamine in mice at lethal doses showed a subadditive synergism. 4. Effects of DPIA on the cardiovascular system, both i.v. in anesthetized rats and in isolated atrial preparations, were mainly opposite to those of (+)-amphetamine, namely decreases in blood pressure, force of contraction and heart rate.

Urinary concentrations of ovarian steroid hormone metabolites and bioactive follicle-stimulating hormone in killer whales (Orcinus orchus) during ovarian cycles and pregnancy

Reproductive hormone profiles of six captive killer whales (Orcinu orcus) from three Sea World aquaria were studied for intervals up to 2 yr. Daily urine samples and bimonthly blood samples were collected and analyzed for hormone concentration. Immunoreactive estrone conjugates, pregnanediol-3-glucoruonide, 20-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone as well as bioactive follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured in urine samples and indexed by creatinine concentrations of the same sample. In selected cases, serum progesterone concentrations were also measured. Three of the animals in the study became pregnant during the study period and two of these animals were evaluated during the time of conception and throughout most of gestation. From the data of the three animals that conceived, hormone profiles of the complete ovarian cycle, early pregnancy, and mid- to late gestation are described. The remaining three animals did not conceive and only one of these demonstrated hormone changes that indicated regular ovarian activity. The female reproductive pattern of the killer whale is characterized by a gestation of 17 mo and an ovarian cycle of 6-7 wk in duration. The hormone changes associated with the ovarian cycle of the killer whale are similar to those of most other mammalian species. A bimodal pattern of bioactive FSH with a pronounced rise of estrogen predominates the preovulatory hormone profile. After ovulation, increased progesterone production is observed for approximately 4 wk in the nonconceptive ovarian cycle. During the luteal phase and early pregnancy, when progesterone metabolites are elevated, estrogen metabolite excretion remains low. These data extend the application of urine collections for longitudinal studies involving hormone changes, particularly those involving nondomesticated species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Iron-regulated outer membrane proteins of Escherichia coli K-12 and mechanism of action of catechol-substituted cephalosporins

Selected aminothiazolyl-oxime cephalosporin congeners substituted at C-3' with a catechol moiety were used to probe the basis of the enhanced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli K-12 often associated with chemical modifications of this type. Evidence is presented for a tonB-dependent illicit transport of the compounds across the outer membrane of E. coli K-12, the process involving jointly and specifically the Fiu and Cir iron-regulated outer membrane proteins. Thus, both tonB and fiu cir mutants showed a comparably reduced susceptibility to the probe compounds, whereas mutants singularly lacking any one of the six iron-regulated outer membrane proteins (Fiu, FepA, FecA, FhuA, FhuE, and Cir) or lacking any combination of any two of these proteins (except Fiu plus Cir) did not show this resistance. Mutants devoid of all six iron-regulated outer membrane proteins were no more resistant to the probe compounds than fiu cir or tonB strains. In addition to the latter genes, the products of the exbB and possibly the exbC loci were necessary for maximal antibacterial potency. A dependence of antibacterial activity on the level of expression of the uptake system components was noted. Comparison of penicillin-binding protein target affinity with antibacterial activity suggested a possible periplasmic accumulation of active compounds by E. coli K-12. Free vicinal hydroxyl groups of the catechol residue were a primary chemical requirement for recognition by the uptake pathway and thus for high antibacterial activity.

MAST application in the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in a child

A case of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) in a child with successful termination of the arrhythmia by military antishock trouser (MAST) application is described. The use of MAST application in terminating PSVT in adults has been previously reported. Ours is the first such case reported using this method in the therapy of PSVT in children. Our report suggests that MAST application may be another maneuver to add to those vagal maneuvers known to be of benefit in the termination of PSVT in children as well as in adults.

AIDS encephalopathy with response to treatment

A 3 year old boy who had acquired HIV infection transplacentally developed the classical features of AIDS encephalopathy, spastic diplegia and expressive aphasia. His computed tomogram showed cerebral atrophy. Treatment with zidovudine and weekly infusions of gammaglobulin led to considerable clinical improvement and an almost normal computed tomogram nine weeks later.

Effects of central administration of morphine on renal function in conscious rats

Systemic administration of morphine in rats produces an anti-natriuretic effect that is at least partially dependent on renal nerves. The present studies were carried out in order to assess the renal response to central administration of morphine. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically prepared with arterial, venous and bladder cannulas. In addition, a guide cannula was placed into the lateral ventrical and secured to the surface of the skull. Experiments were carried out at least 3 days after surgery. Renal clearance measurements were 30 min each. After a basal period, morphine sulfate (4 micrograms/4 microliters) or vehicle was injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle. Two clearance measurements were obtained, followed by central administration of naloxone HCl (4 micrograms/4 microliters) or vehicle and two more clearance periods. Morphine administration had no effect on blood pressure or heart rate but caused a sharp reduction in sodium excretion (3200 +/- 958 vs 970 +/- 158 nEq/100 g/min in period 5; P less than .05). This response was reversed by the addition of naloxone (3280 +/- 583 nEq/100 g/min in period 5; P less than .05). Furthermore, morphine had no effect on renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate. Naloxone increased the renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate in morphine-treated rats, whereas it had no effect in controls. It is concluded that central administration of morphine in conscious rats enhances renal tubular sodium reabsorption by an opiate receptor-dependent mechanism.

Selective induction of light chain synthesis in cultures of blood lymphocytes from patients with IgG myelomatosis

In the present study evidence is provided that neoplastic B cells from the blood from four of 24 patients with myelomatosis were activated selectively with polyclonal B cell mitogens. In three of these patients the activated cells produced light chains without heavy chains; of these, two patients had IgGK paraproteins and one had free lambda light chain disease. The ratio of kappa-expressing to lambda-expressing B cells in the initial blood B cell preparations was within the range for healthy controls for all four patients where neoplastic B cells were selectively activated. It is concluded that in some patients with myelomatosis the neoplastic clone is a mosaic of: (1) cells capable of synthesizing both light and heavy chains with (2) cells producing light chains only.

Properties of spontaneous Enterobacter cloacae mutants with temperature-conditional derepression of type I beta-lactamase synthesis

Spontaneous mutants, with temperature-conditional derepression of chromosomally-encoded Type I beta-lactamase synthesis, were derived from two independent clinical isolates of Enterobacter cloacae. At the permissive temperature (28 degrees C) the mutants' beta-lactamase activity was equivalent to that of their respective parents but at restrictive temperatures (above 40 degrees C) the activity increased many hundred-fold. The increased beta-lactamase expression correlated with reduced beta-lactam susceptibility. In temperature shift-up experiments, the initial rate of beta-lactamase synthesis closely paralleled that of the parent strains induced with cefoxitin. Maximal beta-lactamase activity in the mutants was attained after about 3 h growth at restrictive temperatures and was significantly higher than that of the cefoxitin-induced parents. However, the level was not as high as that observed in isogenic temperature-stable derepressed mutants, under the same conditions. All temperature-conditional mutants showed hyper-induction of beta-lactamase synthesis at permissive temperatures. Our findings are discussed in relation to a positive control model for regulation of Type I beta-lactamase synthesis in Ent. cloacae.

Effect of renal denervation on the antinatriuretic response to morphine administration in conscious rats

The effect of surgical denervation on the antinatriuretic response to morphine was assessed in conscious rats prepared with arterial and venous catheters and bladder cannulas. In sham-operated animals, morphine sulfate (4 mg/kg i.v. plus 2 mg/kg X hr) caused a marked reduction in sodium excretion (650 +/- 218 vs. 2394 +/- 265 nEq/100 g X min in vehicle-treated animals; P less than .05). Although glomerular filtration rate was reduced, fractional excretion of sodium, expressed as a percentage of the filtered load, was also markedly decreased by morphine (0.62 +/- 0.18 vs. 1.51 +/- 0.15% in the vehicle group; P less than .05). The changes in sodium excretion were readily reversed by naloxone. In rats subjected to the renal denervation procedure, morphine had no effect on sodium excretion (1614 +/- 261 vs. 1926 +/- 520 nEq/100 g X min) or on fractional sodium excretion (1.92 +/- 0.50 vs. 1.41 +/- 0.37%). However, glomerular filtration rate was reduced by morphine as in the sham-denervated rats. Blood pressure and heart rate were not significantly affected by morphine in either group. The results suggest that morphine enhances renal tubular sodium reabsorption, at least in part, by a mechanism dependent on intact renal nerves. Because there was no evidence of generalized sympathetic activation (as judged by blood pressure and heart rate changes), the effect may be selective for the renal innervation.

Renal response to pentobarbital anesthesia in rats: effect of interrupting the renin-angiotensin system

The influence of interrupting the renin-angiotensin system on the renal hemodynamic response to barbiturate anesthesia was assessed in conscious, trained, chronically catheterized rats. Anesthesia induced by pentobarbital caused a marked reduction in mean arterial pressure, heart rate, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF). Pretreatment of rats with captopril, an inhibitor of angiotensin I converting enzyme, prevented the impairment of renal hemodynamics by pentobarbital without restoring blood pressure. GFR remained at 100 to 110% of control values in captopril-pretreated rats receiving pentobarbital, but was reduced by pentobarbital (90-120 min after induction) to 75 +/- 5% in rats which did not receive captopril. ERPF showed similar changes. An antagonist of angiotensin II receptors, 1-sarcosine-8-isoleucine-angiotensin II, did not prevent the anesthesia-induced decrements in GFR and ERPF (GFR was reduced to 78 +/- 6% and ERPF to 68 +/- 4% at 90-120 min after pentobarbital). This failure of the antagonist of angiotensin II receptors to protect renal hemodynamics may have been due to its intrinsic agonist activity on the renal vasculature. This is suggested by the fact that, in captopril-pretreated rats, which maintained renal hemodynamics in response to pentobarbital, addition of 1-sarcosine-8-isoleucine-angiotensin II caused a reduction in GFR and ERPF and an elevated blood pressure. At 100 min after administration of pentobarbital, plasma renin activity was elevated compared to a conscious control group (3.57 +/- 0.42 vs. 1.94 +/- 0.34 ng angiotensin l/ml X hr, P less than .05). It is concluded that the renin-angiotensin system mediates an impairment of renal hemodynamics during pentobarbital anesthesia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antinatriuretic effect of acute morphine administration in conscious rats

The renal response to the acute administration of morphine was examined in conscious, chronically catheterized, nonhydrated rats. After control clearance periods, morphine sulfate was injected i.v. at 4 mg/kg followed by an infusion of 2 mg/kg X hr. Morphine caused an increase in urine flow which was variable in magnitude and duration. The initial diuresis was not maintained despite continued morphine administration and replacement of lost fluid. Compared to vehicle treatment morphine also induced marked sodium and chloride retention which was sustained throughout the 2-hr infusion period. There were no changes in blood pressure or heart during the clearance periods, although an initial transient hypotension and bradycardia were observed with morphine injection. There were no changes in glomerular filtration rate which could account for the antinatriuresis. Naloxone pretreatment blocked all of the observed renal responses. The results indicate that morphine exerts its effects on electrolyte excretion by enhancing renal tubular sodium or chloride reabsorption rather than changes in systemic hemodynamics or glomerular filtration rate. In a separate series of experiments, urine osmolality, osmolar clearance and free water clearance were estimated. All rats receiving morphine transiently excreted a hypotonic urine (minimum 183 +/- 23 mOsmol/kg of H2O) with a reduction in osmolar clearance and a sharp increase in free water clearance. These findings are consistent with a temporary inhibition of vasopressin release by morphine.

Natriuretic effect of naloxone in fasted, water-loaded rats

The influence of naloxone (10 mg/kg i.p.) on water and electrolyte excretion was assessed in water-loaded rats subjected to fasting or fasting and refeeding. In fed animals, naloxone had no effect on water or electrolyte excretion compared to saline injected controls. However, during fasting, which has been shown to activate endogenous opioid systems, naloxone had a marked natriuretic effect (43 +/- 10 vs. 11 +/- 4 muEq/100 g X 2 h, p less than 0.05). Naloxone increased the sodium excretion to a level not significantly different from fed animals. Potassium and water excretion were not significantly changed compared to saline injected rats. The results suggest that fasting activates a naloxone-sensitive mechanism for sodium retention, perhaps by increasing the release of endogenous opioid peptides, and that refeeding inhibits this mechanism.

Renal hemodynamics in conscious rats: effects of anesthesia, surgery, and recovery

The influence of barbiturate anesthesia and minor surgical incisions on renal function was assessed in trained, chronically catheterized rats. In addition, renal hemodynamic changes during recovery from ether anesthesia and surgery were examined. Administration of pentobarbital in the chronic animals was associated with a marked reduction in arterial pressure (108 +/- 5 vs. 85 +/- 2 mmHg, P less than 0.01), renal blood flow (8.28 +/- 0.50 vs. 6.20 +/- 0.53 ml X min-1 X 100 g body wt-1, P less than 0.01), and glomerular filtration rate (1.30 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.97 +/- 0.11 ml X min-1 X 100 g body wt-1, P less than 0.01). Responses to Inactin were essentially identical. Small skin incisions during barbiturate anesthesia caused blood pressure to rise, but did not significantly change renal function parameters from already reduced values. In rats studied 2 h after ether anesthesia and surgical placement of catheters, arterial pressure was elevated compared with the same rats studied 4-7 days later (127 +/- 3 vs. 109 +/- 3 mmHg, P less than 0.005). Renal blood flow (5.80 +/- 0.37 vs. 8.90 +/- 0.93 ml X min-1 X 100 g body wt-1, P less than 0.01) and glomerular filtration rate (0.81 +/- 0.07 vs. 1.05 +/- 0.08 ml X min-1 X 100 g body wt-1, P less than 0.001) were markedly depressed during the recovery from surgery. It is concluded that barbiturate anesthesia depresses renal function in rats. This impairment should be considered when interpreting experiments that must be performed under anesthesia. In addition, the "conscious" preparation commonly used for renal studies in rats, i.e., one involving experimentation 2-3 h after ether anesthesia and surgery, is associated with a severe depression of renal hemodynamics.

Dose-dependent stimulation of renal prostaglandin synthesis by deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin in rats with hereditary diabetes insipidus

It has been postulated that renal prostaglandins (PGs) function as negative feedback inhibitors of the action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), implying a correlation between levels of ADH and the rate of renal PG synthesis. These studies have evaluated the relationship between renal PG synthesis and hormone levels in rats with hereditary diabetes insipidus, a species devoid of circulating ADH. Since vasoconstrictor agents can stimulate renal PG synthesis by mechanisms unrelated to antidiuretic activity, deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) was utilized for replacement therapy instead of arginine vasopressin, which has considerable pressor activity. dDAVP was administered by S.C. implanted osmotic minipumps to obtain steady states of dDAVP at different dose levels. As indices of renal PG synthesis, urinary excretion of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. PGE2 excretion, although increased by dDAVP treatment, was not correlated with dose of dDAVP. However, PGF2 alpha excretion was highly correlated with dose of dDAVP (r = 0.97, P less than .01). The sum (PGE2 + PGF2 alpha), which may more accurately reflect total medullary PG synthesis, was also significantly correlated with dose of dDAVP (r = 0.98, P less than .001). It is concluded that dDAVP stimulates renal PG synthesis in a dose-related fashion. This occurs at doses which bring urine osmolality into the normal physiological range. Furthermore, it is shown that stimulation of renal PG synthesis by arginine vasopressin is not due primarily to its pressor action. These experiments also provide evidence that urinary PGE2 and PGF2 alpha excretion can vary independently.