Association of SRD5A2 genotype and pathological characteristics of prostate tumors

The enzyme product of SRD5A2, 5alpha-reductase type II, is responsible for converting testosterone to the more metabolically active dihydrotestosterone. Therefore, SRDSA2 may be involved in the development or growth of prostate tumors. To examine the effects of allelic variants in the gene SRDSA2 on the presentation of prostate tumors, we studied a sample, primarily Caucasian, of 265 men with incident prostate cancer who were treated by radical prostatectomy. We assessed the relationship of the A49T and V89L polymorphisms at SRD5A2 with clinical and pathological tumor characteristics of these patients. We found no association of V89L genotypes with any of the characteristics studied. The presence of the A49T variant was associated with a greater frequency of extracapsular disease [odds ratio (OR), 3.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-9.68] and a higher pathological tumor-lymph node-metastasis (pTNM) stage (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.01-9.65). In addition, the A49T variant was overrepresented in two poor prognostic groups, which have been correlated with reduced rates of biochemical disease-free survival. One group included men with at least two of the following poor prognostic variables: (a) stage T3 tumor; (b) PSA level >10; and/or (c) Gleason score, 7-10 (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.04-11.49). The second group included men with positive margins and high Gleason score (OR, 6.28; 95% CI, 1.05-37.73). Our results suggest that the A49T mutation may influence the pathological characteristics of prostate cancers and, thus, may affect the prognosis of these patients.

Characterization of an allelic variant in the nifedipine-specific element of CYP3A4: ethnic distribution and implications for prostate cancer risk. Mutations in brief no. 191. Online

CYP3A4 is involved in the metabolism of numerous biologically active compounds, including testosterone. A genetic variant located in the P450NF (nifedipine) specific element (NFSE) has been identified that disrupts a transciptional regulatory element located in the 5' regulatory region of CYP3A4. The CYP3A4 variant (CYP3A4-V) is associated with the clinical presentation of prostate cancer. There are significant differences in CYP3A4 metabolism and rates of prostate cancer across ethnic groups that may be associated with CYP3A4 genotypes. Therefore, we estimated the frequency of the CYP3A4 variant in three ethnic groups with different prostate cancer incidence rates. The frequency (q) of CYP3A4-V was significantly different (p<0.0001) in African Americans (q=0.53), U.S. Caucasians (q=0.09), and Taiwanese (q=0.0). CYP3A4-V segregated in a Mendelian manner in one large African American family, and 7 of 16 (44%) biologically unrelated "marry-ins" carried a CYP3A4 variant allele. Reflecting population-specific prostate cancer incidence rates, our results suggest a high frequency of this variant in African Americans compared with U.S. Caucasians and Taiwanese.

Glutathione S-transferase-mu (GSTM1) and -theta (GSTT1) genotypes in the etiology of prostate cancer

The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in the metabolism of numerous potential prostate carcinogens. Common homozygous germ-line deletions exist in the genes that encode GST-mu (GSTM1) and GST-theta (GSTT1) and preclude enzyme expression. To evaluate whether GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 contribute to prostate cancer (CaP) etiology, we studied 237 incident CaP cases and 239 age- and race-matched controls. The probability of having CaP was increased in men who had nondeleted (functional) genotypes at GSTT1 (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-2.80) but not GSTM1 (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-1.55). No interaction of these genes in CaP etiology was observed. GST-theta is highly expressed in the prostate and can produce genotoxic effects upon exposure to specific carcinogens. These results suggest that GSTT1 is associated with CaP risk.

Modification of clinical presentation of prostate tumors by a novel genetic variant in CYP3A4

BACKGROUND

Pathways involved in androgen metabolism have been implicated in the etiology of prostate cancer. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of CYP3A4, a gene associated with the oxidative deactivation of testosterone, on the clinical presentation of prostate cancers.

METHODS

A polymerase chain reaction-based approach was used to identify sequence variants of the human CYP3A4 gene. To ascertain whether allelic variants of the CYP3A4 gene were associated with tumor stage and grade and age of the patient at diagnosis, we determined CYP3A4 genotypes in 230 Caucasian men with incident prostate cancer.

RESULTS

We identified a novel genetic variant (CYP3A4-V) that has an altered 5' regulatory element, containing an A to G mutation, upstream of the CYP3A4 gene. We then compared clinical characteristics of prostate cancers in men who did and did not carry this variant. The presence of the CYP3A4-V allele was associated with a higher tumor-lymph node-metastasis (TNM) stage and Gleason grade. The association between CYP3A4 genotype and tumor stage was most pronounced in men diagnosed at a relatively old age who reported no family history of prostate cancer. In this group, 46% of men with stage T3/T4 tumors carried CYP3A4-V, whereas only 5% of individuals with stage T1 tumors carried CYP3A4-V (adjusted odds ratio = 9.45; 95% confidence interval = 2.54-35.17; chi2(1) = 12.28; two-sided P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We determined that a single base change in the 5' flanking region of the CYP3A4 gene was associated with higher clinical stage and grade in men with prostate tumors. Our results suggest that mutations in the CYP3A4 gene may influence prostate carcinogenesis.

Pharmacokinetics of fluvastatin after single and multiple doses in normal volunteers

The pharmacokinetics of fluvastatin, a potent inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase and thus cholesterol synthesis, have been studied in 24 normal male volunteers who received [3H] fluvastatin in three different studies: a single-dose study using oral doses of 2 or 10 mg, an absolute bioavailability study using doses of 2 mg intravenously or 10 mg orally, and a multiple-dose study using 40 mg orally once daily for 6 days. Serial blood and plasma samples and complete urine and feces were collected and analyzed for total radioactivity as well as for intact fluvastatin. Fluvastatin was rapidly and almost completely (greater than 90%) absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, although the estimated bioavailability from the 2- and 10-mg doses was only 19 to 29% because of extensive first-pass metabolism. Fluvastatin pharmacokinetics appeared to be linear over the 2- to 10-mg dose range, as indicated by dose-proportional blood levels of total radioactivity and the parent drug. Absorbed fluvastatin was completely metabolized before excretion, the biliary/fecal route being the major excretory pathway. The recovery of radioactivity after a single dose was virtually complete within 120 hours. The terminal half-lives of fluvastatin and total radioactivity averaged 0.5 to 1 hour and 55 to 71 hours, respectively, whereas the total body clearance of fluvastatin was 0.97 L/hour/kg. Repeated oral administration of 40-mg doses of [3H]fluvastatin resulted in no time-related change in pharmacokinetic characteristics, but this dose yielded greater than proportional increases in circulating levels of the parent drug, thus suggesting a saturable first-pass effect on fluvastatin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bioavailability of isradipine in young and old rats: effect of mode of administration

The bioavailability of isradipine has been examined in 7- and 52-week-old rats after oral (12.5 mg kg-1) or intravenous (2.5 mg kg-1) doses as a solution and administration of various doses (1.8-85.5 mg kg-1) in the diet. Serial plasma samples were obtained from each rat and the drug concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay. Absorption from the dose given by gavage was rapid but when administered in a drug diet mixture, isradipine appeared in the plasma slowly and in a manner reflecting the feeding pattern. Its absolute bioavailability from the drug-diet mixture averaged 3% over the dose range tested. By gavage its bioavailability was enhanced to 5% of dose with peak plasma values approximately 7 times higher than from a comparable dose in the diet. The low oral bioavailability of isradipine in the rat was most likely due to extensive first-pass metabolism. The decline in plasma concentrations was biexponential, with a mean terminal half-life of 3.6-3.7 h after oral or intravenous dosing. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of isradipine examined were independent of the age of the rat, except that its volume of distribution decreased with age. The older rats also showed a greater inter-animal variability in isradipine bioavailability from the drug-diet mixture.

Influence of high-fat meal on the absorption of a silicon-containing amide, an inhibitor of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase, in man

The pharmacokinetics of 3-(decyldimethylsilyl)-N-[2-(4-methylphenyl)-1- phenylethyl] propanamide (DMPP), an inhibitor of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase, have been examined in 18 healthy male volunteers who received an oral dose of either 14C-DMPP or 3H-DMPP immediately following a high-fat meal, or 3H-DMPP in the fasting state. DMPP was poorly absorbed in the fasting subjects. Administration with a high-fat meal significantly increased the extent of absorption to 15 per cent of the dose. Simultaneous fitting of the blood levels and excretion data to a pharmacokinetic model showed that ca. 64 per cent of the absorbed DMPP was metabolized while the remainder was excreted intact via the bile. The routes of biotransformation included hydrolysis of the amide bond and oxidation of the phenyl ring. The apparent volumes of distribution for DMPP and its 14C and 3H labelled metabolites were 0.89, 0.95, and 1.6 lkg-1, respectively, suggesting that these materials were distributed into extravascular spaces. The metabolites of DMPP were partially excreted in urine, accounting for 1.2 per cent and 3.8 per cent of the postprandial 14C and 3H labelled doses, respectively. The elimination half-lives of DMPP and its 14C and 3H labelled metabolites were 2.8, 5.3, and 6.9 h, respectively.

Effect of diet and gavage on the absorption and metabolism of fluperlapine in the rat

Fluperlapine, Sandoz compound NB 106-689, 3-fluoro-6-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-11H-dibenz[b,e]azepine, in a 12-week toxicity study exhibited liver toxicity (moderate to severe hyperlipidosis) when administered to rats in the diet at 40 mg/kg/day and at 80 mg/kg/day, but not by gavage at 80 mg/kg/day. In order to elucidate those factors which might explain these differences in toxicological findings, the effect of mode of administration (diet vs. gavage) on the absorption and metabolism was investigated in rats. Although the peak concentration of radioactivity was earlier (2 hr vs. 15 hr) and higher (3.3 micrograms eq/ml vs. 1.6 micrograms eq/ml) by gavage than by diet, the extent of absorption based on AUC values and excretion of radioactivity was the same. Analysis of plasma and liver extracts for metabolites showed that although the metabolic pathways were the same after diet or gavage, the relative composition of drug and metabolites present was a function of the mode of administration. In the liver, the target organ, after multiple oral doses by the diet mode, 96% of the identified products represented hydroxylation; a minor amount of parent drug was present. After gavage, the drug (32%) and desmethylfluperlapine (25%) together accounted for 54% of the mixture, and hydroxylation accounted for 44%. In plasma after multiple oral doses, a similar trend was observed; there was a greater percentage of the hydroxylated metabolites compared to the nonhydroxylated metabolites after diet administration and an almost similar proportion of these products after gavage administration. It is possible that the observed differences in toxicity could be due to a difference in the exposure of the target organ to drug and metabolites.

Pharmacokinetics of orally administered tizanidine in healthy volunteers

The pharmacokinetics of tizanidine, a new centrally acting muscle relaxant, have been studied in 18 normal male volunteers who received orally a single 5 mg dose, a single 20 mg dose, or repeated administration of 4 mg every 8 hr for 13 doses of [14C]tizanidine. Serial blood and breath samples and complete urine and feces were collected and analyzed for total radioactivity as well as intact tizanidine. Tizanidine was rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, although the estimated bioavailability was only 21% due to extensive first-pass metabolism. The pharmacokinetics of tizanidine appeared to be linear in the 0-20 mg dose range, as indicated by the dose-proportional blood levels of total radioactivity as well as of parent drug. Absorbed tizanidine was almost completely metabolized before excretion, the major excretory route being via the kidneys. The terminal half-lives of tizanidine and radioactivity were ca 3 hr and 61 hr, respectively, and 76%-77% of the administered radioactivity was recovered within 120 hr. Repeated administration of [14C]tizanidine resulted in no apparent change in pharmacokinetic characteristics. During the 4 mg q 8 hr regimen, blood levels of tizanidine reached steady state after only 2 or 3 doses, whereas those of total radioactivity approached steady state after approximately 4 days. The degree of accumulation of radioactivity, unlike that of parent drug, was inconsistent with the terminal half-life, but instead implied a shorter effective half-life of ca. 16 hr. It appears that the terminal phase of the blood radioactivity profile represents a metabolite that is reversibly bound to and slowly released from a specific tissue depot, and that this binding involves a finite amount of drug regardless of the dose. The oral administration of [14C]tizanidine prescribed in the present study was safe and well tolerated.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of alpha-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-2- (3-ethyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)-1H-indole-3-methanol, a hypoglycemic agent, in man

1. The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of alpha-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-2-(3-ethyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl) -1H-[3-14C]indole-3-methanol, a new hypoglycemic agent, have been studied in 15 healthy male volunteers who received an oral dose of 50 or 200 mg. 2. The drug was rapidly and almost completely absorbed intact from the gastrointestinal tract. 3. Compared with the 50 mg dose, the 200 mg dose yielded less than proportionally higher blood concentrations of radioactivity and unchanged drug. This phenomenon has been observed previously in the rat and was probably due to an increase in drug distribution volume with increasing dose, since the metabolism and excretion patterns of the drug appeared to be dose-independent. 4. The drug was partially metabolized prior to excretion. Approximately 40% of the dose was recovered intact, almost exclusively in urine. The major metabolic pathway of the drug was by conjugation with glucuronic acid, while oxidation of the indole ring gave rise to a relatively minor metabolite. 5. The recovery of administered radioactivity was virtually complete within the experimental period, with a renal:faecal excretion ratio of ca 80:20. The elimination half-life of unchanged drug was 25-30 h while that of total radioactivity was 33-35 h.

Disposition of a silicon-containing amide, an inhibitor of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase, in dog and rat

The pharmacokinetics of 3-(decyldimethylsilyl)-N-[2-(4-methylphenyl)-1-phenylethyl]propanamide (DMPP), an inhibitor of acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase, have been studied in the dog and the rat using 14C and 3H dual-labelled drug. In both species, gastrointestinal absorption of DMPP was slow and incomplete, amounting to approximately 20 per cent of the oral dose given in corn oil. In the rat, use of PEG-400, Tween 80, ethanol, and aqueous CMC as vehicles resulted in similar or lower absorption than corn oil. Absorbed DMPP was rapidly and extensively distributed to body tissues. Data from the rat showed highest concentrations of radioactivity in the liver and spleen, while concentrations in the adrenals and lung also markedly exceeded circulating radioactivity levels. In both dog and rat. DMPP was completely metabolized prior to excretion. The routes of biotransformation involved hydrolysis of the amide bond, oxidation of the phenyl ring, and degradation of the decyldimethylsilyl propanoyl moiety. The metabolites of DMPP were excreted slowly, predominantly in the faeces. The elimination half-life of 14C was 105 h in the dog and 83 h in the rat, while that of 3H was approximately 32 h in both species.

Disposition of alpha-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-2-(3-ethyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)- 1H-indole-3-methanol (59-801), a hypoglycaemic agent in rats, dogs and monkeys

1. The disposition of alpha-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-2-(3-ethyl-5-methyl-4 isoxazolyl)-1H-[3-14C]indole-3-methanol, an oral hypoglycaemic drug, has been studied in the rat, dog and monkey. 2. Oral doses of the drug were almost completely absorbed. The rate of absorption was rapid in the rat but less rapid in dog and monkey. Due to first-pass effect, the absolute bioavailability of the drug was incomplete and ranged from 60-75% in the monkey to 90% in the dog. 3. Intravenous as well as oral doses of the radiolabelled drug were rapidly and extensively distributed to body tissues. In rat, concentrations of radioactivity in all tissues except the brain exceeded, or were similar to, corresponding blood levels. Tissue and blood radioactivity levels were higher in female than in male rats, and increased disproportionately with increasing dose. 4. The drug was partially metabolized before excretion, the extent of metabolism ranging from ca. 50% in the rat to 90% in the monkey. Although only a limited number of animals were used, metabolism appeared to be saturable within the dose range studied in dog and monkey but not in rat. The half-life of unchanged drug was dose-independent in the rat (1.4 h), but tended to increase with increasing dose in the dog (4.1-7.2 h) and monkey (2.1-4.5 h). 5. In all three species, the administered radioactivity was recovered predominantly in urine, although biliary excretion also played an important role in drug elimination. Recovery of dose was essentially complete within 1-2 days.

Biological properties of the antagonist SRI 63-441 in the PAF and endotoxin models of hypotension in the rat and dog

Intravenous administration of platelet-activating factor (PAF) produces dose-dependent hypotension in several species. We have evaluated a recently developed PAF antagonist, SRI 63-441, for its ability to inhibit the hypotensive effect of PAF in the rat and dog. In the rat, 100 ng/kg PAF produced a 38.6 +/- 5.1% decrease in carotid mean arterial pressure (MAP), followed by a 3.2 +/- 0.7 min recovery period for MAP to return to baseline values. SRI 63-441 reduced the hypotension response in the rat, where the ED50 values for inhibition of MAP were 0.16 mg/kg i.v. and 0.19 mg/kg i.v. for the recovery period. Dogs challenged with 1.5 micrograms/kg PAF i.v. demonstrated a 52 +/- 8% decrease in MAP that persisted for at least 15 min. The ED50 for inhibition of MAP by SRI 63-441 was 0.20 mg/kg i.v. Following injection of tritium-labeled SRI 63-441, 56.8 +/- 2.4% of the dose was recovered in the urine and 43.2 +/- 8.9% in the feces in the rats while in dogs 38.7 +/- 5.6% and 60.9 +/- 23.5% of the dose was excreted in the urine and feces, respectively. In the rat model of endotoxin-induced hypotension, SRI 63-441 given 1 min after a 5 mg/kg endotoxin challenge (which produced a 52 +/- 7% decrease in MAP), reversed the systemic effects, with an ED50 of 0.18 mg/kg i.v. The ED50 for reversal 6 min after endotoxin injection was 0.01 mg/kg. These results of inhibition and reversal by SRI 63-441 strongly implicate PAF as a pivotal mediator of hypotension and shock.

Pharmacokinetics of PN 200-110 (isradipine), a new calcium antagonist, after oral administration in man

The pharmacokinetics of PN 200-110 (isradipine), a new calcium channel blocking agent, have been studied in 18 normal male volunteers who received orally a single 5-mg dose, a single 20-mg dose, or repeated administration of 5 mg every 8 h for 13 doses of [14C]PN 200-110. PN 200-110 was rapidly and almost completely (90-95%) absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, although the estimated bioavailability was only 17% due to extensive first-pass metabolism. The pharmacokinetics of PN 200-110 appeared to be linear in the 5 to 20-mg dose range, as indicated by the dose-proportional blood levels of total radioactivity as well as the parent drug. Absorbed PN 200-110 was completely metabolized prior to excretion. The recovery of radioactivity after both the 5 and the 20-mg dose was virtually complete within the experimental period, with a renal:fecal excretion ratio of ca. 70:30. Repeated administration of [14C]PN 200-110 showed no change in pharmacokinetic characteristics. During the 5 mg thrice daily regimen, steady-state blood levels of parent drug were reached in 2 days while those of total radioactivity were reached in approximately 4 days. PN 200-110 and total radioactivity accumulated in blood by a factor of 2.1 and 3.4, respectively, indicating effective half-lives of 8.8 h and 16 h. The oral administration of [14C]PN 200-110 prescribed in the present study was safe and well tolerated.

Local distributed deadlock detection by knot detection

A distributed algorithm for the detection of deadlocks in store-and-forward communication networks is presented. At first, we focus on a static environment and develop an efficient knot detection algorithm for general graphs. The knot detection algorithm uses at most Ο( n 2 + m ) messages and Ο( log ( n )) bits of memory to detect all deadlocked nodes in the static network. Using the knot detection algorithm as a building block, a deadlock detection algorithm in a dynamic environment is developed. This algorithm has the following properties: It detects all the nodes which cause the deadlock. The algorithm is triggered only when there is a potential for deadlock and only those nodes which are potentially deadlocked perform the algorithm. The algorithm does not affect other processes at the nodes.

Effect of butalbital and phenobarbital pretreatment on antipyrine clearance in the rat

The disposition kinetics of antipyrine after a single i.v. dose (75 mg/kg) of [14C]antipyrine were examined in control rats and in rats pretreated with butalbital and phenobarbital. Blood antipyrine data indicated that daily administration of phenobarbital (50 mg/kg) for 14 days resulted in significantly more rapid elimination of antipyrine than that observed after equal doses of butalbital, which was in turn significantly faster than the control values. Results of additional antipyrine tests after phenobarbital pretreatment for 2 and 5 days showed considerable enzyme induction after only 2 days of exposure to phenobarbital; the mean antipyrine clearance after the 2-day pretreatment was not significantly different from those after the 5- and 14-day pretreatments. The data suggested that the maximum increase in antipyrine clearance, ca. 190% of the control value, was achieved after approximately 5 daily doses of phenobarbital and maintained until the end of the 14-day pretreatment period. The subsequent decline in the induced enzyme activity, assessed by the antipyrine clearance values on days 1, 3, 6, and 9 post-phenobarbital treatment, appeared to be mono-exponential with a half-time of 3.8 days. Thus, the enzyme activity would return to baseline at ca. 15 days after the last dose of phenobarbital. In these studies, consistent increases in liver weight with increasing antipyrine clearance were observed, while no apparent relationship between antipyrine distribution volume and barbiturate pretreatment was found.

Influence of mode of intravenous administration and blood sample collection on rat pharmacokinetic data

The influence of the mode of intravenous dosing and blood sample collection on the pharmacokinetics of 4-[(3-methoxyphenyl)-methyl]-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxa-4-aza-2, 6-disilacyclohexane hydrochloride (I) was studied in the rat. Blood samples obtained from the tail and by exsanguination following injection of the 14C-labeled drug into the caudal vein, the jugular vein, and the heart were analyzed for total radioactivity, and the concentration profiles from the different treatments were compared. Dosing and sampling from the tail vein resulted in significantly different blood levels (and related pharmacokinetic parameters) when compared to other methods, probably attributable to a local depot effect. Intracardiac administration tended to cause higher drug levels in the heart than intravenous doses, although no significant differences were found between the respective blood concentrations. The results showed that caudal vein injection is a simple and adequate method of intravenous administration in rats designated for exsanguinated blood and tissue collection. For serial blood sampling in individual animals, the dose may be given via the jugular vein and the blood collected from the cut tail. These methods require little or no surgical preparations and are particularly suitable for prolonged sampling in studies where a relatively large number of animals are involved.

Interspecies similarities in the disposition of 3H-dihydroergotamine following subcutaneous administration in man and rabbits

The disposition of dihydroergotamine methanesulfonate following single subcutaneous doses was studied in man and the rabbit using radiotracer techniques. 3H-Dihydroergotamine was almost immediately and completely absorbed from the injection site; peak blood radioactivity levels were attained within 1 h of drug administration in both species. The disappearance of radioactivity from blood was biphasic, with t 1/2,alpha and t 1/2,beta values of 2.9 and 16.9 h, respectively, in man and 2.9 and 14.7 h, respectively, in the rabbit. Apparent volumes of distribution were 18.9 Liter/kg in man and 30.4 Liter/kg in the rabbit. The excretion pattern of dihydroergotamine and its metabolites was also similar for the two species, with biliary elimination being the predominant route. At 4-5 days postdosing, 80-85% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in the feces and urine. The rabbit appears to be an adequate animal model for the study of dihydroergotamine pharmacokinetics in man.

Pharmacokinetics of compound 58-112, a potential skeletal muscle relaxant, in man

The pharmacokinetics of 4-[(3-methoxyphenyl)methyl] -2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxa-4-aza-2,6-disilacyclohexane (Sandoz compound 58-112), a new chemical entity with a unique myotonolytic effect, was studied in 12 healthy male volunteers who received an oral dose of 50 or 100 mg of the 14C-labeled drug. Serial blood and breath samples and complete urine and feces were collected for 120 hours after dosing. All samples were analyzed for total radioactivity while the blood and urine were also assayed for unchanged compound 58-112. Measurable blood radioactivity levels were observed at 0.5 hour, and peak concentrations were attained at 1 to 2 hours after dosing. The absorption of the radioactive doses was complete and appeared linear in the 50-100 mg range, as indicated by blood 14C levels that were proportional to the dose. The 50- and 100-mg doses also resulted in virtually identical excretion patterns, with 95 per cent of the administered radioactivity recovered within 9 hours, almost exclusively in the urine. However, the disproportionately higher blood concentrations of unchanged compound 58-112 after the 100-mg dose could suggest saturable presystemic metabolism in the liver. Simultaneous fitting of all data in the 100-mg dose study to a pharmacokinetic model showed that unchanged compound 58-112 was distributed into a central and a peripheral compartment and was eliminated entirely by metabolism, the distribution and elimination half-lives being 0.5 and 3.9 hours, respectively. The metabolite(s) was distributed into one homogeneous space, and its elimination half-life was 0.1 hour, with a renal:fecal clearance ratio of approximately 96:4.

Effect of food, fluid and dosage form on the absorption of 52-522, a potential antianxiety agent, in the dog

The absorption of 52-522 in the dog was studied by measuring blood concentrations of radioactivity after single oral doses of [14C] 52-522 in a capsule with and without water, also as a food-drug mixture, and a solution in polyethylene glycol 400. Absorption was rapid, and its rate moderate with no significant differences in peak times among treatments. The extent of absorption was lowest after the capsulated [14C] 52-522. The solution dose gave elevated blood concentrations, that were statistically significantly different when compared with the capsules. Hence, it appears that the absorption of [14C] 52-522 is governed by the degree of dispersion of drug in the dosage form.

In vivo-in vitro correlations for trisulfapyrimidine suspensions

A UV method is described for measuring total sulfa drug concentration in dissolution samples. This in vitro measurement was found to correlate well with several in vivo parameters obtained after administration of commercial trisulfapyrimidine suspensions to humans. The UV method, which is rapid, simple, inexpensive and easily automated, is recommended for studying the dissolution of trisulfapyrimidine suspensions.

Effect of food and an antacid on quinidine bioavailability

Two 200 mg quinidine sulfate tablets were administered to nine healthy male subjects in the fasting state, immediately after a balanced meal, and with 30 ml of aluminum hydroxide gel using a complete crossover design. Serum and urine samples were taken over 32 and 60 h, respectively. Quinidine concentrations were measured using a high-performance liquid chromatography assay specific for quinidine. Computer fitting of the data to several models indicated that a one-compartment model with zero-order absorption and a lag time best fit all the data. Quinidine elimination and urine pH were unaffected by the study conditions. While the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC) were unaffected by administration of quinidine with food or antacid, there was a 44 per cent increase (p less than 0.10) in time to Cmax (tmax) following quinidine administration with food. Thus, while the extent of quinidine absorption was unaffected by food or the antacid used, the rate of quinidine absorption was significantly reduced by food as reported earlier.

Enterohepatic circulation of radioactivity following an oral dose of [14C]temazepam in the rat

The enterohepatic circulation of radioactive material after administering [14C]temazepam was evaluated in three sets of male Wistar strain rats connected in pairs by bile duct-duodenum cannulae. After a single oral dose (10 mg kg-1) to the donor rat, the excretion of radioactivity in the urine and faeces of both rats and in the bile of the recipient rat was determined. Mean total recovery of the administered radioactivity was 92.2%. Based on the amount remaining in the donor rat (gastrointestinal tract and faeces), 81.7% of the dose was absorbed by the donor. The total amount recovered from the recipient, 69.4% of original dose (85.1% of donor's absorbed dose), represented the amount excreted in the donor's bile. Similarly, 54.1% of the original dose (77.9% of the transferred biliary excretion from donor) was reabsorbed by the recipient, and the biliary excretion from this animal (45.9% original dose) accounted for 86.% of the amount reabsorbed.

Biliary excretion of [14C]temazepam and its metabolites in the rat

The excretion of temazepam and its N-desmethyl metabolite, oxazepam, and their respective O-conjugates was examined following a single intravenous dose of [14C]temazepam to two groups of bile fistula rats, with and without bile replenishment to the animals via duodenal cannulae. During an 8-hr collection period, the two groups produced virtually identical bile volumes, and there were no significant differences between them in the amount of total radioactivity, free temazepam, or the identified metabolites in the bile, as determined by TLC and liquid scintillation counting. Elimination of the radioactive dose was rapid during 0-8 hr, with a half-life of approximately 1 hr. Approximately 85-90% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in the bile: less than 1% as free temazepam, 3% as oxazepam, and approximately 10% as their O-conjugates.

A practical method for monitoring drug excretion and enterohepatic circulation in the rat

An improved experimental design for studying the enterohepatic circulation of drugs in a pair of bile duct-duodenum cannula-linked rats is described. By housing the rats in individual metabolism cages and using a peristaltic pump to immediately deliver bile secreted by the donor directly into the duodenum of the recipient, the method permits a realistic approximation of biliary excretion and reabsorption in intact animals for periods up to 96 hours.

Bioavailability and dissolution behavior of trisulfapyrimidine suspensions

The bioavailability of seven commercial trisulfapyrimidine suspensions was studied in 14 adult male volunteers. Fifteen blood samples were collected over a 48-hr period following administration of a 1-g dose of each suspension. Serum was assayed for each component (sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, and sulfamethazine) by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Analysis of variance indicated several significant differences among the seven commercial preparations with respect to Cmax Tmax, and AUC for sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, and sulfamethazine, The in vitro behavior of each suspension was then studied by the paddle method of the Food and Drug Administration. A 0.5-ml sample was introduced into 900 ml of hydrochloric acid (2.2 x 10(-4) M) at 37 degree and dissolved using a paddle speed of 25 rpm. Samples withdrawn at 15 and 30 min were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and the percent of sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, and sulfamethazine was calculated. Significant correlation was obtained between an in vivo parameter (Cmax for sulfadiazine) and an in vitro parameter (percent sulfadiazine dissolved in 30 min). Results indicate that this method is suitable for the in vitro screening of trisulapyrimidine suspensions.

Bioavailability of sulfonamide suspensions I: Dissolution profiles of sulfamethizole using paddle method

A comparative bioavailability study was performed using two commercially available, chemically equivalent brands of sulfamethizole suspension. One gram of each suspension was administered to 12 different subjects following a completely randomized crossover design. Serum levels and derived pharmacokinetic parameters were compared statistically. There were no significant differences in the extent of sulfamethizole absorption from the two suspensions as evidenced by the area under the serum level--time curves. Significant differences (p less than 0.05) in the mean serum levels at 0.5 and 0.75 hr and differences in Cmax and tmax indicated that the absorption rate differed for the two products. In vitro tests including particle-size analysis and dissolution studies were performed. The size--frequency distribution of particles in the suspensions was studied using a resistance particle counter. The dissolution characteristics of the two products were studied using the Food and Drug Administration's paddle method and the spin-filter apparatus. Suspension A had a significantly greater amount of drug dissolved at 15 and 30 min using either method. It also had a greater percentage of particles at the smaller size range, indicating that the greater dissolution rate may be related directly to the decreased particle size. A comparison of the in vivo and in vitro results demonstrated a definite rank-order correlation between the dissolution performance of the two suspensions and the in vivo parameters reflecting the absorption rate. Suspension A had a greater amount of drug dissolved at 15 and 30 min and resulted in higher serum levels at 0.5 and 0.75 hr, a higher Cmax, and a shorter tmax.

Correlation of quinidine absorption with disintegration and dissolution rates

The dissolution profiles of four commercial quinidine sulfate tablets were determined using the USP rotating-basked dissolution apparatus. Substantial differences in dissolution half-times were noted and compared to previously reported disintegration times, absorption rate constants, and times of appearance of peak serum concentrations. Rank-order correlations were observed among all combinations of in vivo and in vitro parameters, indicating that the absorption rates of these tablets are controlled by both disintegration and dissolution.

Simple high-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of trisulfapyrimidines in human serum

A simple and rapid high-pressure liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, and sulfamethazine in human serum. After the trichloroacetic acid precipitation of the serum proteins, an aliquot of the supernate is injected into a high-pressure liquid chromatograph equipped with a reversed-phase microparticulate column and a fixed wavelength UV detector. For each of the three components of trisulfapyrimidines, a linear calibration curve was observed in the 1-30-microgram/ml range, with the precision of the assay estimated to be +/- 2% (RSD). Preliminary pharmacokinetic data are also presented.

Comparative bioavaiability of four commercial quinidine sulfate tablets

A comparative bioavailability study was performed using four commercially available, chemically equivalent brands of quinidine sulfate tablets. Two 200-mg tablets were administered to 11 different subjects following a completely randomized crossover design. Serum levels, urinary excretion data, and derived pharmacokinetic parameters were compared statistically. There were no statistical differences in the extent of quinidine absorption from the four brands of tablets as evidenced by the cumulative urinary excretion values and the areas under the serum level-time curves. Significant differences in the mean serum levels at 0.5 and 1 hr and differences in the peak times and absorption rate constants indicate that there was a difference in the absorption rate between Treatments A and D and C and D. A significant difference in the peak times also was noted for Treatments B and C. When mean disintegration times for the four tablet formulations were compared with their values for ka, tmax and mean serum levels at 0.5 and 1 hr, rank-order correlations were observed. A considerable degree of variability in quinidine elimination was noted, with half-life values ranging from 2.71 to 8.12 hr (mean half-life of 5.36 hr).

Activated charcoal-carboxymethylcellulose gel formulation as an antidotal agent for orally ingested aspirin

The in vivo effect on aspirin absorption of a potentially more palatable form of activated charcoal was compared to that of a simple aqueous slurry of activated charcoal. The experimental formulation consisted of 20.0 g of activated charcoal, 2.25 g of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and 42.8 ml of water; it was tested with and without chocolate syrup as a flavoring agent added just prior to administration. Six subjects were treated in crossover fashion following an aspirin dose of 972 mg. Total urinary excretion of salicylate was measured over 48 hours. Although all three treatments appeared to be effective in reducing the rate and extent of aspirin absorption, the slurry was significantly more effective in reducing the total amount absorbed than the charcoal-CMC gel with chocolate syrup. The slight difference in effectiveness between the gel formulation with and without the chocolate syrup was not significant.

Influence of pH and route of injection on acute toxicity of tetracycline in mice

Some LD50 determinations for tetracycline hydrochloride in mice were carried out over a range of pH values, using both the intraperitoneal and the subcutaneous routes of injection. Depending on the pH of the formulation, either water or a solvent system of water and 60% (v/v) propylene glycol was employed thus ensuring complete solution of the drug at all pH values tested. Higher LD50 values were obtained with the subcutaneous route than with the intraperitoneal route. With either route of administration, there was a trend toward lowest LD50 value occurrence at the isoelectric pH of tetracycline. Actual statistical significance was achieved for the intraperitoneal route only when LD50 values obtained at the isoelectric pH were compared with either of the more acidic pH values.

Bioequivalency of doxycycline products

The bioavailability of three different brands and three different dosage forms of doxycycline was studied in normal subjects. Single doses, equivalent to 200 mg of doxycycline, were administered to six subjects in a crossover design as the innovator's intravenous solution given orally (Treatment A), the innovator's capsule product (Treatment B), a noninnovator's capsule product (Treatment C), the innovator's oral suspension product (Treatment D), and a second noninnovator's capsule product (Treatment E). All dosage forms contained doxycycline as the hyclate, except the suspension which contained the nonhyclate form. Serum levels were determined periodically over 48 hr, and cumulative urinary excretion was measured concurrently over a 120-hr collection period. No statistically significant differences were observed in any in vivo indicator of bioequivalence when the three capsule products were compared. Consequently, they were judged to be bioequivalent. When these capsule products were compared to the oral solution, no statistically significant differences were observed. However, when the capsules and the suspension were compared, statistically significant differences were found in the rate of absorption. In vitro dissolution tests were also conducted on the three brands of capsules, and times required to achieve 50% dissolution showed rank-order correlation with corresponding absorption rate constants.