Metabolism of phencyclidine by microorganisms

Microbial models for drug metabolism

This review describes microbial transformation studies of drugs, comparing them with the corresponding metabolism in animal systems, and providing technical methods for developing microbial models. Emphasis is laid on the potential for selected microorganisms to mimic all patterns of mammalian biotransformations and to provide preparative methods for structural identification and toxicological and pharmacological studies of drug metabolites.

Use of microorganisms for the study of drug metabolism: an update

The use of microorganisms as tools in the study of drug metabolism appears to be gaining popularity. The selected examples cited here provide additional evidence of the utility of these systems as alternative in vitro models for studying drug metabolism in humans. However, as was noted earlier, this model, nor any other in vitro model system could ever replace animals in biomedical research. However, it is apparent from the numerous examples cited here and in the previous review of this area that microorganisms are a reliable, reproducible alternative to small animals as predictive models in drug metabolism studies. The continuing development of techniques that reduce the use of animals in research is encouraged and this procedure appears to be gaining more widespread acceptance for such use.

Metabolism of antimalarial sesquiterpene lactones

Metabolism of artemisinin derivatives, which are antimalarial sesquiterpenes, appeared to lead to the production of the more polar metabolites in general. Presence of the endoperoxide moiety in the A/B ring structure seems crucial for the expression of antimalarial activity of these compounds. Microbial models served as effective predictors for the mammalian metabolism of artemisinin derivatives as well as producing quantities of metabolites for reference standards and structure elucidation studies. Combination of 2D-NMR and Thermospray HPLC/MS techniques was very useful for the structure elucidation of metabolites.

The use of microorganisms for the study of drug metabolism

The potential for the use of microorganisms as tools in the study of drug metabolism appears to be unlimited. The selected examples cited here are only the beginning of what could develop into a widely accepted alternative in vitro model system for studying drug metabolism in humans. As with any other in vitro model system, it is not expected that microbial systems could ever replace animals in biomedical research. The acquisition of data regarding absorption, distribution, and excretion will still require whole animal systems. However, it is clear from the examples cited that microbial systems offer a reliable, reproducible alternative to small animal models for preliminary drug metabolism studies. Due to significant species variation, small animal models may, in many cases, be less reliable than microorganisms as predictive models of human metabolism. It has been estimated that approximately 70 million animals are used each year in the U.S. for biomedical research. The development of any techniques which curtail the sacrifice of such large numbers of animals is welcomed both by animal welfare groups who wish to ensure the humane treatment of laboratory animals and by researchers who additionally appreciate the more practical and economical benefits of such alternatives.

Biotransformation of phencyclidine

PCP is metabolized extensively in the body via a variety of metabolic routes. Biotransformation is a major mechanism of PCP elimination in humans and termination of PCP action in mice. In general, PCP metabolites are less active pharmacologically than PCP itself. Primary metabolism involves hydroxylation of the alicyclic rings at several carbon atoms by cytochrome P-450-mediated monooxygenase. Hydroxylation of the aromatic ring seems to be less likely and has not been conclusively demonstrated. Hydroxylation of PCP at carbon 2 of the piperidine ring to form the unstable carbinolamine leads to formation of a series of polar, open-ring compounds. Monohydroxylated metabolites are conjugated with glucuronic or sulfuric acid, or are further hydroxylated to dihydroxy derivatives that can also be subject to conjugation. Formation of highly reactive electrophilic metabolites of PCP have been demonstrated in vitro in microsomal preparations. Covalent modification of tissue macromolecules by reactive intermediates can be responsible for suicide inactivation of cytochrome P-450 and can possibly mediate some long-term toxic effects of PCP. PCP inhaled by cigarette smoking is metabolized via similar routes. About 50% of the PCP in cigarette smoke is converted to PC, a major product of thermal degradation of PCP. PC and its hydroxylated and conjugated metabolites appear to contribute little to the pharmacology or acute toxicity of PCP.

Guide to the analysis of phencyclidine and its metabolites in biological material

Phencyclidine was introduced as an anaesthetic in 1960; and has now become a major drug of abuse in some countries. The rapid advance in the various fields of analytical chemistry during the past decades has made it possible to measure the levels of the compounds in tissues and body fluids. These methods may also be used to study the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of PCP. The resulting publication is an updated guide to these analyses particularly with the application of these techniques in human intoxication.