Influence of diet on the pattern of gastrointestinal biotransformation of netobimin and albendazole sulphoxide in sheep

The in vitro biotransformation of the anthelmintic compounds, netobimin (NTB) pro-drug and albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO), by ruminal fluid obtained from sheep fed either hay or concentrate-based diets was investigated. No metabolic activity was observed in boiled samples of ruminal fluid, which confirms the importance of ruminal microflora in the metabolism of the xenobiotics under investigation. NTB pro-drug was efficiently biotransformed by ruminal fluid in vitro. Albendazole (ABZ) and its sulphoxide derivative were the metabolic products recovered. The thioether ABZ was formed by sulphoreduction of ABZSO by ruminal fluid in vitro. A more efficient nitroreduction of NTB and sulphoreduction of ABZSO were observed for ruminal fluid collected from sheep fed the concentrate diet. The type of diet determines the composition and distribution of the microbial population in the rumen; this affects the pattern of drug biotransformation in the gastrointestinal tract, which may impact on drug therapy.

Comparative plasma disposition kinetics of ivermectin, moxidectin and doramectin in cattle

The persistence of the broad-spectrum antiparasitic activity of endectocide compounds relies on their disposition kinetics and pattern of plasma/tissues exchange in the host. This study evaluates the comparative plasma disposition kinetics of ivermectin (IVM), moxidectin (MXD) and doramectin (DRM) in cattle treated with commercially available injectable formulations. Twelve (12) parasite-free male Hereford calves (180-210 kg) grazing on pasture were allocated into three groups of four animals each. Animals in each group received either IVM (Ivomec 1%, MSD AGVET, Rahway, NJ, USA), MXD (Cydectin 1%. American Cyanamid, Wayne, NJ, USA) or DRM (Dectomax 1%, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA) by subcutaneous injection at a dose of 200 micrograms/kg. Jugular blood samples were collected from 1 h up to 80 days post-treatment, and plasma extracted, derivatized and analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescence detection. The parent molecules were detected in plasma between 1 h and either 70 (DRM) or 80 (IVM and MXD) days post-treatment. The absorption of MXD from the site of injection was significantly faster (absorption half-life (t1/2ab) = 1.32 h) than those of IVM (t1/2ab = 39.2 h) and DRM (t1/2ab = 56.4 h). MXD peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was reached significantly earlier (8.00 h) compared to those of IVM and DRM (4-6 days post-treatment). There were no differences on Cmax values: the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was higher for IVM (459 ng.d/mL) and DRM (627 ng.d/mL) compared to that of MXD (217 ng.d/mL). The mean plasma residence time was longer for MXD (14.6 d) compared to IVM (7.35 d) and DRM (9.09 d). Unidentified metabolites were detected in plasma: they accounted for 5.75% (DRM), 8.50% (IVM) and 13.8% (MXD) of the total amount of their respective parent drugs recovered in plasma. The comparative plasma disposition kinetics of IVM, MXD and DRM in cattle, characterized over 80 days post-treatment under standardized experimental conditions, is reported for the first time.

Enhanced plasma availability of the metabolites of albendazole in fasted adult sheep

The influence of fasting prior to treatment and of dosing rate on the plasma availability and disposition kinetics of albendazole (ABZ) and its sulphoxide (ABZSO) and sulphone (ABZSO2) metabolites was studied in adult sheep grazing on pasture. A micronized suspension of ABZ was administered orally at either 7.5 mg/kg (group A) or 11.3 mg/kg (group C) to sheep fed ad libitum, and at 7.5 mg/kg to sheep subjected to a 24 h fasting period prior to treatment (group B). Blood samples were taken serially over 96 h after treatment, and the plasma was analysed for ABZ and its metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography. ABZSO and ABZSO2 were recovered from the plasma. Fasting induced marked modifications in the pharmacokinetic behaviour of the ABZ metabolites in sheep. An extended absorption process, with a delayed peak concentration in the plasma, was observed for both metabolites in the fasted sheep. Significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) values were obtained for both metabolites in the fasted animals compared to those fed ad libitum. Delayed elimination with prolonged detection in plasma was also observed in the fasted sheep. Treatment with ABZ at 7.5 mg/kg in the starved animals resulted in bioequivalence to the administration of the compound at a 50% higher dose rate (11.3 mg/kg) in the fed animals. It is suggested that fasting enhances ABZ dissolution and absorption by delaying its passage down the digestive tract.